Championship betting, Bristol City - Doncaster

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After Derek McInnes took the charge Robins made a promising start with four wins out of five, but lost the breath soon after that. However, they’ve been showing some signs of improvement lately with two wins out of last three (against leaders S’ton (away) and Millwall at home). Skipper Liam Fontaine will miss again.

Donny are second from the bottom and their prospects don’t look good at all. They’ve noticed 11 defeats out of 13 on the road (five in a trot), conceding an average of 2.38 goals per a game.

City have some certain quality, if not for a play-off then for middle definitely. This is a six-pointer and I think their motivation isn’t questionable. If they stop Billy Sharp (six of last seven goals for Donny), City will take this one comfortably.

Bet: B.City -0.5
Odd: 1.93 (Canbet)
Stake: 7/10
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Premier League and Championship betting, 03.12

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Aston Villa - Man Utd

Villa have very good home record (3W, 2D, 1L), but they actually haven’t faced any of the top sides so far. Their wins came against bottom two Blackburn - Wigan and Norwich, drew vs. Wolves and the Toon and lost against West Brom. They’ve noticed only one point of last five matches and have terrible record against Utd, as they won only once of their last 31 league meetings (21W, 9D, 1L).

Man Utd had a poor week, but think I can find few excuses. Against Valencia, back four was mixed which resulted with two goals in the back of the net. Toon were saving their heads and somehow took a point, while elimination from Cup with youngsters was only a slap that needs a reaction and could only be helpful for this bet. Villa Park is happy place to go for Ferguson, as they won more points in Premier only at Goodison.

Expect much improved performance from United and easier win than expected.

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Bet: Man Utd -0.75
Odd: 1.93 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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Bristol City - Middlesbrough

The Robins are at poor 20th position, but since Derek McInnes took the charge they have been playing like born again. Undefeated in six in league (4W, 2D) with few really impressive displays. They resisted at West Ham, won at the Den against Millwall and defeated league leaders S’ton in a game where the Saints were on back foot for entire game. They regained self confidence and with the potential they obviously posses, I expect more good games and climbing on the table.

‘Boro made a good start of the season, but their form recently has been going in the opposite direction than the Robins’. They’re winless in last three matches and in last five on the road, defeated only poor old Donny.

I expect City to win this one and to continue a great run, but simply (regardless how much I’ve been trying) cannot exclude a possibility of a draw.

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Bet: B.City 0.0
Odd: 1.98 (Ladbrokes)
Stake: 7/10
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Championship betting, Barnsley - Bristol City

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This seems to be a six-pointer. Barnsley are undefeated in four at home, two consecutive wins. That two and third league win came against fellow strugglers - bottom half sides (Millwall, Coventry, Burnley). 

The Robins have been noticing the worst start in league since 1933. Only one league win of starting 13 games (and that one came vs. Leicester away!). They have five straight defeats (and seven of eight). Got new manager, but it didn’t help in previous round as they looked helpless against the Brum at home.

There’s some chance of a draw (and -0.25 should be better choice than clear win), but I think it’s very unlikely that City will win this one.

Bet: Barnsley -0.25
Odd: 1.88 (188bet)
Stake: 8/10
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Championship betting, Bristol City - Birmingham

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With only 6 points of 12 games, the Robins are noticing the worst start in 78 years. They’re rock bottom, only side in Championship without a home win (2 draws, 4 defeats) and shipping goals for fun (23 goals - the worst in league). However, syndrome of the new manager will be present since Derek McInnes (ex St. Johnstone) took the charge.

The Brummies have finally hit some good form, defeating Nott Forest away, Leicester at home and making two wins in Europa League. However, they played in Belgium at Thursday and are short with the time for recover (and it’s not like Hughton has that big squad to not be affected). The fact of my interest is every time when they played in Europe, next league game produced at least four goals. Birmingham have scored in each of their nine league games.

I’d dare to give some advantage to the Robins, but expect a goalfest and go for over instead.

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Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.96 (Canbet)
Stake: 7/10
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Championship betting, Bristol City - Brighton

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The Robins have noticed just one win out of first five games (interesting, it was when no one expected at Leicester 2-1), at home played three games without a goal scored (Ipswich 0-3, Pompey 0-0 and Swindon in Cup 0-1). Club did the poor job in the transfer market, missing to strengthen their defence (brought some Premier League inexperience). They managed to keep Nicky Maynard (precisely, he didn’t manage to go), but only unless his contract expires next summer. So, I doubt his motivation during the season. Except the games against the league giants where his talent could be noticed, like in Leicester (both goals). Defender, Jamie McAllister, has been ruled out for two months, another defender Liam Fontaine is also sidelined, while goalie Dean Gerken is struggling with a back injury and will be probably out.

Brighton have been noticing an impressive start in Championship (best start to a league season in 54 years) with four wins and a draw out of five (only draw was vs. Blackpool 2-2, goal conceded in additional time). I don’t think it is just the syndrome of the first season in the higher level, they heavily invested in top striker, Craig Mackail-Smith (2.5million pound, possibly rising to 3.25million), young Will Buckley costs a million. Think they won’t stop after only few victories, like Millwall last season for example. No injury worries since mentioned Mackail-Smith and Buckley are declared fit, as well as defender Vincelot.

I am going to bet on a winning horse. As I said, I have reasons to believe their good run won’t stop soon. The Robins will stay in the league, but at the moment don’t look competitive (unless Maynard goes crazy). Also, books don’t seem to believe in the Seagulls and offered pretty high odds. I like it.

Bet: Brighton -0.25
Odd: 2.17 (188bet)
Stake: 8/10
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Championship 30 Apr - Preview of the round, betting tips and previews

Nottingham Forest - Scunthorpe

The most interesting will be the fight for the last play-off space. Forest have clear calculation. They’ll get it with six points from games against, all but predictable, Scunny at home and Palace on the road that could be a real last day cracker. The main problem is defence line that conceded 17 goals on last 7 games. Scunny could be able score and push this game in over. But also, a sensation is not a strange word for the visitors. They defeated Forest at home, where also trashed the leaders QPR (4-1). On the road shocked Hull and Reading. It’s an easy choice to leave this game alone.

Leeds - Burnley (1:45 cet)

Leeds need to win both times (in last round they’ll visit QPR who btw. could face a penalty and points deduction at Tuesday) and to hope Forest (and Millwall of course) will slip somewhere. After they wasted many points in last five rounds it’s not so big chance, but Leeds are the kings of drama and since the end of golden era in 90s just very few times they haven’t presented a stressful finish to their fans. Burnley noticed only a draw at home vs. Pompey, it could affect their morale but they’re still one point above Leeds. Draw is unacceptable for both sides and whoever will take a lead, will also try to improve goal difference for the final ranking. I could give some advantage to Leeds, but my main choice will be goals.

Millwall - Swansea

There will be hell, the Lions are in the race again and packed Den will host Swans. They won six of last nine games and big boost is a return of their key man and top scorer, Steve Morison, after he served a three match suspension. Swansea have secured their play-off spot where they will probably face Reading. Reasons for a good effort are 4th place (playing re-match at home) and improving recent away record (a draw and four defeats out of last five) and self-confidence before decisive matches. It will be hard, since Swans have a discouraging record on the road against top side teams, losing seven out of nine. Another thing is very interesting. In the previous game, Brendan Rodgers left on the bench probably his best player - Scott Sinclair. He said that young player has never played the full season, looks very tired and he’ll try to manage it. If you’re afraid for the best player, the Den is definitely not a place for him. So, maybe he will just save him for play-off.

Derby - Bristol City

Derby are safe, but looked in a very good shape, putting some more than decent displays recently. Defeated Leeds at home, grabbed a point at Loftus Road and undeservedly lost at Norwich in 96th minute. A win in the last home game could be a satisfaction. This will be also the last game for Robbie Savage and I can expect some additional effort from the players for their skipper. City are also safe, but look like they are already planning summer holidays as they’ve noticed four defeats and a draw out of last five. They will also miss the best striker, Nicky Maynard.

Hull City - Crystal Palace

Hull blew their play-off chances, Palace need a point to be mathematically safe. The hosts haven’t won in 15 of 22 home games, losing vs. bottom sides Scunny and Sheff Utd. Palace are a tough nut to crack on the road recently, taking two points from last two trips (Donny and Leicester). Four of last five games between these clubs ended undecided. This game has a draw written all over it. 

Bet 1: Leeds - Burnley, over 2.50, Odd: 1.80 Interwetten, Stake: 8/10

Bet 2: Millwall -0.25, Odd: 2.11 Canbet, Stake: 8/10

Bet 3: Derby to win, Odd: 2.30 William Hill, Stake: 7/10

Gamble: Hull - C.Palace, draw @ 3.75 bet365, Stake: 2/10

(Early bets, since the odds will probably drop tomorrow.)

*table taken from bet365.com

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Statistic update

After free fall in October and November, my primary target was to stop the losing streak and it has been accomplished so far. December is currently green, but I'd be satisfied with zero at the end of the year (wouldn't be delighted though). Season objective is a positive balance. It won't be easy with -50 units, but I'll be working hard as always.
Once again, thanks for visiting lads.
With a hope in better days,
Dule

Sheff Wed - Bristol Rovers 6-2 WON
Stoke - Blackpool 0-1 LOST
Bristol City - Derby 2-0 WON
Tranmere - Leyton 1-2 LOST
Tottenham - Chelsea 1-1 1/2 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Bristol City - Derby

Loud announcements about play-off and promotion turned into nightmare start for the Robins. Epilogue was Steve Coppell got fired before the end of the summer. Keith Millen is doing very good job as club moved away from the relegation zone. Just one defeat in last eight games (away at Leeds, 1-3). They won two last games at home and have scored in every of last nine games. Striker Stead and defender Ribeiro are back in contention, skipper Carey is out.

Derby are in serious down trend. They were flying high, but in my opinion it was just a matter of time when they’ll stop winning. They’re sitting on still high 7th place, but recorded three defeats in last four (fourth game was a win against Scunny). Striker Bueno will probably have some role in this game, but defenders Buxton and Addison are out.

Home side definitely has some unused potential and they're probably continue with climbing on the table. I predict a tough encounter, but see City as winners. 1-0 correct score.

Bet: B.City -0.25
Odd: 2.13 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

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Weekend and statistic update

Fourth time I wished to bet on City's game this season and noticed fourth loss! Really great...

Bristol City - Preston 1-1  1/2 LOSS
Watford - Nottingham Forest 1-1  DRAW
Plymouth - Swindon 0-4  WON
WBA - Man City 0-2  LOSS

Statistic:

November
Profit: -5.6 units Yield: -14.36%

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Season
Profit: -33.46 units Yield: -8.25%

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Bristol City – Preston

As pre-season play-off contenders, the Robins started the season in a shocking manner collecting embarrassing 6 points in the first 11 rounds, conceding 22 goals in those! However, it seems they started finally with showing their potential as they’ve made a run of three games without a defeat. Home win over Reading, keeping QPR on a draw and spoiling Tony Mowbray’s debut at ‘Boro is a good starting point for the climbing on the table. Injured players, Ribeiro, Maynard and Vokes will have a fitness test, while midfielder Cole Skuse is returning to the squad. Bristol City have one defeat at home against Preston (in May 2000.) since 1927.

Differently from City, Preston are living their ambitions. They were tipped for promotion (or closely avoiding it) and their previous games go in that direction. Only 4 wins of 14 games with defense line that is leaking too much (30 conceding goals, the most in Championship and keeping just one clean sheet) should be a trend for a whole season. In my opinion, dad’s little son Darren, simply is not for this level of competition. His attacking style had some “moments of madness” in 6-4 victory at Leeds (after 1-4 at the half-time), or in a Cup game against Stockport (5-0), but any side that can hold them for a while (which means almost every in the second tier) will have a good chance to hurt them. Striker Jon Parkin is back after suspension, another striker Josh King got an injury, while third option in front Chris Brown will be out for five more weeks.

I’m more than satisfied with these odds for home side. City are boosted with away win at ‘Boro (as well as with good results in two games before that), definitely possess decent amount of quality and this should be a breaking point for them.

Bet: B.City -0.25
Odd: 1.90 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

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Saturday's results and statistic update

The Robins scored two sensational goals (considering BBC), Robert Green was a man of the match at Emirates and Exeter suffered a first home defeat conceding four! I checked my archive, I wasn't worse ever and this is officially the worst month in my betting career! Worse even than December 2009.! Sorry to all.

New pick tomorrow.



Exeter - Brentford 2-4 LOSS
Arsenal - West Ham 1-0 LOSS
Middlesbrough - Bristol City 1-2 LOSS


Statistic:

October
Profit: -48.04 units Yield: -35.59%

Season
Profit: -27.86 units Yield: -7.60%

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Middlesbrough – Bristol City

‘Boro, as the pre-season, public (bookies as well) top favorite for winning Championship lie at embarrassing 22nd place with just one point more than bottom side (today’s opponent). Fans got what they wanted as Gordon Strachan faced the exit door and his place took the clubs legend and ex skipper Tony Mowbray (also fans’ wish). So they still possess great potential and with new manager syndrome and big support from the crowds, ‘Boro should start collecting points and climbing on the table. Also, Mowbray probably couldn’t wish a better opponent for the start of his era at Riverside. Only doubtful is Julio Arca. Defender Justin Hoyte is still sidelined, while midfielder Thompson has recovered from an injury. ‘Boro lost just twice in last 30 home encounters against City, winning 22.

The Robins are almost in the similar position as Middlesbrough (except they were tipped for play-off, not direct promotion). They’re on the bottom, hardly showing any sign of possible improvements. They made 2 decent results in last two rounds however (both at home), defeating Reading 1-0 and holding on a draw QPR 1-1. But, away record looks terrible as they won just once of six (Scunthorpe 2-0) and conceded 3 times in both of last two. Defense line is far from being tough that characterized the team in previous seasons, while David James is just a shadow from him in past few years. Also, his statement that he was drunk when he accepted to come in Bristol surely didn’t improve the dressing room atmosphere. Midfielders, Cole Skuse and Jamal Campbell-Ryce, are facing a late fitness test while defender Christian Ribeiro is definitely out.

I expect a very positive reaction on the Mowbray’s appointment, from the players and from the fans as well. Squad has great potential and I expect them to start showing it. City won’t relegate, soon will move away from the bottom but I don’t give them too much chances today. They’re simply at the wrong place in the wrong time. 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Middlesbrough -0.75
Odd: 2.08 188bet
Stake: 7/10

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Millwall - Coventry

Millwall started the returning campaign in a great manner. Defeated in the first round Bristol City on the road (3-0) and home win vs. ex-Premier Hull (4-0). Then scored on Elland Road (Leeds), but managed to concede three times. However, they bounced back in Carling and defeated Premier contender ‘Boro 2-1 (that was 4th win in five matches). They made a fortress of home ground and The Den is not a place where other teams like to go. Boss Kenny Jackett will probably set an unchanged squad. Only absentees are defender Tony Craig and striker Shaun Batt.

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Coventry also made an encouraging start. Two home wins (Portsmouth 2-0 and Derby 2-1) and away draw (Watford 2-2). Against Watford came back from 2 goals down, but against Derby were also struggling and could have lost as well. As always, their main problem is games on the road where collect much less points. For this game, boss Aidy Boothroyd can not count on one important player, striker Lucas Jutkiewicz. Although Coventry are still unbeaten, they haven’t won last six away games (3 draws and 3 lost).

 

As long as Millwall can smell Premiership, they’ll be very strong and dangerous. Especially at the Den (last season, in League One, just a single defeat). Coventry are a decent side, they will probably finish in the top side of the table, maybe even make a threat for a play-off spot, but Millwall away is simply too much. Home win.

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Bet: Millwall to win

Odd: 2.00 Interwetten

Stake: 7/10

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More will follow...

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Saturday's results

Bristol City were a shocker, but good day after all. Hope you enjoy.

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Sheffield Wednesday - Brighton  1-0 WON

Bristol City - Barnsley  3-3 LOSS

Birmingham - Blackburn  2-1 WON

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Statistic:

Profit: +14.62

Yield: +19.11%

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Crystal Palace 0-1 Bristol City

Chris Iwelumo's moment of magic proved the difference between the sides as Bristol City saw off fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The striker, on loan from Wolves, struck a stunning volley on the turn from inside the area 17 minutes from time to settle a dour encounter. 
Jamal Campbell-Ryce came close to a second but an out-of-sorts Palace could not muster a response at the other end.
The defeat leaves Palace outside the drop zone on goal difference alone.

www.bbc.co.uk

Crystal Palace - Bristol City

Thankfully to 10 points penalty, Palace are fighting to avoid relegation instead for play-off. They’re 21^st with same number of points as first under the line Sheff.Wed. (Palace have one game more to play). Ex-boss Warnock, left the club (to QPR) and it was a big hit, but club’s management (their PR office) did an excellent job showing him as a traitor who looks for more money. So, dressing room atmosphere is good again and after three consecutive defeats (all at home), Eagles noticed a hard fought draw on the road vs. Doncaster and in last round home win against play-off contenders Sheff.Utd.. The morale has been boosted, but  they have to continue winning. New manager, Paul Hart, has one injury doubt, midfielder Neil Danns. Palace have won their last four home league games against Bristol City.

 

The Robins are five points far from relegation zone, they have only one win in last ten games, while on the road have a winless run of seven games (just two wins in total this season). In those seven games, they scored just once! They’re typical home side and away City play very defensively trying with counter-attacks and individual efforts of Nicky Maynard (who is usually cut off from the play). The problem for this game is defensive line which is a base of they play suffered a disaster in previous round at home vs. Doncaster and conceded five goals (2-5). So, confidence won’t be on the highest level. They’ll also fight against statistics which say City haven’t won at Selhurst Park since December 1961. Boss Johnson can not count on forward Evander Sno and midfielder Elliot. Midfielder Brian Wilson, defenders Jamie McCombe and Jamie McAllister also continue to struggle with the injury problems.

 

This will be a hard battle and I don’t expect too many goals. Who score first will probably win. Team quality, current shape, motivation, and a manager are the main factors here (beside home ground). Don’t think visitors can resist. Home win. 1.95 at 888sport.

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Saturday's beauty

Sheff Utd 2 - 0 Bristol City

Sheffield United shrugged off a slow start to maintain their push for the Championship play-offs at Bristol City's expense.
Chris Iwelumo showed some promising early touches on his City debut, but United gradually grew in authority. 
City keeper Dean Gerken pulled off some excellent saves, but was powerless to stop Henri Camara's vicious second-half effort from nestling in the top corner. 
Darius Henderson nodded in Jamie Ward's cross on the hour to seal the points. 
The win, United's first in five games, leaves the Blades a point adrift of sixth-placed Leicester City, who have played two games fewer. 
City, meanwhile, are without a victory since mid-January and have now conceded 13 goals in their last six games.
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"I thought everyone played really, really well. 
"We used the ball intelligently and moved well off it. When you see us go out and look like that then it makes you realise our biggest problem this season is going to be keeping everybody fit. 
"If we can do that then we've got every chance. 
"We are trying to build something and the boys have shown out there what they can do." 
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson:
"We didn't do enough to give ourselves a chance to win the game and the the first goal killed us. 
"Our confidence is a bit low at the moment and it just seemed to drain - that's where we are. 
"We've been drawing a lot, especially away from home, and now we're getting our fair share of defeats. 
"But we've got two home games now and hopefully we can get a bit of confidence going with our fans behind us."

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Coventry 1 - 0 QPR

Gary Deegan's early strike was enough to stretch Coventry's unbeaten run to five matches, while QPR are now nine games without a win in any competition. 
Deegan struck his first goal for the club early on, a shot into the bottom corner that left Rangers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme rooted to the spot. 
QPR pressed either side of half time, with Lee Cook forcing Keiren Westwood to save from a free-kick. 
Cook also flashed a shot across the goal, but the visitors could not level. 
Coventry manager Chris Coleman:
"I anticipated that it wasn't going to be a classic but we got the job done. 
"We said to them at half-time that it might be one of those games where we just had to dig in and get a result. 
"This win puts us within six points of the top six and eight points off the bottom three so we are on the up." 
QPR manager Mick Harford:
"You run out of words to say when you are on a run like this because you don't get the rub of the green. 
"You are always under pressure as a manager. You are judged on results. I would prefer to play poorly and win, that's what we need to do at the moment. 
"I don't think we deserved to lose because they had one shot on target in the whole game and it took a deflection. It's my job to pick the players up but the spirit is good."
www.bbc.co.uk

Sheffield United – Bristol City

Blades have had a turbulent season so far. As a play-off contenders had a weak start, then faced the injury crisis and noticed 8 games without a win. Overcoming the injuries reflected in positive run, but recently they again have some important players out. First goalie, Mark Bunn, broke his hand (Ian Bennett is decent substitution). Rock in the defense line, Chris Morgan, and fellow center-half Marcel Seip are out and that’s the main problem. As a result of these missings, United conceded 6 goals on two away games (WBA 1-3 and Watford 0-3). Then home draw vs. Derby 1-1 and unlucky defeat in the last round, on the road vs. Preston 1-2. Boss Kevin Blackwell was fuming on referees, accusing them for wrong decisions that ended in a defeat. However, Blackwell said, it wasn’t a players’ fault and the atmosphere in a dressing room hasn’t been spoiled. Beside mentioned players, Blackwell will miss midfielder James Harper. Only the current top three clubs have a better home record than the Blades.

City lie at the middle of the table, at 13th place, with the same distance from play-off and relegation zone. Their previous record and recent shape suggest they’ll stay there where are now. They have just a single win (Preston at home 4-2, before Ferguson’s appointment) in past eleven games and noticed just one point. Their main problem currently is scoring goals, they scored just once in last five competitive games (Coventry at home 1-1). Major cause is absence of key striker (and probably the best player), Nicky Maynard. For today’s clash, manager Gary Johnson will also miss winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce, another striker Danny Haynes and defender Jamie McAllister. City have conceded nine goals in injury time this season - more than any other Championship team (interesting fact is United have scored more goals in injury time than any other club - six).

I see United in play-off zone at the end of the season. They definitely have a quality for that, but if they want to reach it simply have to win games like this. They’re playing well recently, have huge attacking potential and their home ground is a fortress. Home win

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Bristol City 1-1 Cardiff City

Gavin Williams scored a tremendous injury-time equaliser to rescue a replay for Bristol City in the FA Cup third-round tie with Cardiff City.
The Welshman arrived at the edge of the area to meet Nicky Maynard's square ball perfectly, Williams blasting a low shot across the diving David Marshall. 
Michael Chopra had given Cardiff a 76th-minute lead when his touchline lob caught Dean Gerken out of position. 
The replay will be held on Tuesday, 19 January at the Cardiff City Stadium. 
With the original date for this game having been postponed because of the freezing weather sweeping the country, there were some nervous glances skywards as fresh show swirled around Ashton Gate.
But Robins groundstaff had worked hard to ensure the game would go ahead and both sets of players went to work with gusto in the icy night air.Then on 76 minutes Chopra produced a moment of skill and opportunism to break the deadlock. 
Warren Feeney chased what seemed to be a lost cause down the right but did enough to cause Robins keeper Gerken to botch his kick. 

The ball fell to Chopra tight on the touchline and the striker curled a sublime first-time chip over the despairing Gerken into the Bristol net - his first goal since 29 September.Then two minutes into injury Maynard collected the ball on the Cardiff 'D', held off his marker and laid the ball perfectly into the path of Williams arriving on the right. 
The Wales midfielder barely had to break stride and clattered a pin-point shot into the far corner to deny the club he supported as a youngster. 
Although denied the win tonight, Cardiff will at least have home-field advantage in a week's time for the replay that will decided who advances to meet Leicester in the fourth round.

www.bbc.co.uk

Bristol City - Cardiff City

Bristol City are in crisis of results as they won only once in last ten Championship games. But on the other hand, they’re also one of the best hosts in the second tier. This season lost just once (in 12 games) at Ashton Gate, previous 3 (in 23) and in season before also 3. Two defenders are out for this game. Jamie McCombe is injured, while Lewin Nyatanga serves a one-match ban. Good news is Robins will be stronger for Evander Sno and Gavin Williams (both midfielders) who are fit after injuries.

 

Cardiff have extended their own crisis with a Saturday’s home draw against Blackpool that ended with booing from the stands. Beside large amount of injuries, virus hit the squad leaving to manager Dave Jones small number of available players. Also, club has been accused for unpaid tax which surely hasn’t improved morale in the club. Also, that could lead to selling of some key players. Rumours are Jay Bothroyd is wanted by Villa, Ledley by Celtic. If Bothroyd play tonight will be cup tied for further cup games in new club. This also applies for Ledley in case of his departure to English club and it’s very possible both will be out of the squad. Jones intends to send some youngsters tonight and big doubt is how much tonight’s eleven will be competitive. Cardiff are winless in last five games at Ashton Gate.

 

This will be tight game, but clear advantage should be given to the hosts. They’re fully motivated and with almost full squad. I wouldn’t totally exclude a possibility of a draw and see dnb option as a good bet, while home win should be considered as a gamble.

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