Championship: Cardiff to close on play-off spot by beating Robins

Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | October 25, 2015

Cardiff City v Bristol City

Bluebirds battle relegation-threatened Robins

Since leaving Ninian Park for the Cardiff City Stadium, the hosts of this rather underwhelming Monday Night Football clash have a perfect five wins on Welsh soil against Bristol City.

Coral thus make Russell Slade’s Bluebirds 27/20 favourites for another three points against the Robins, who make the short trip up from Gloucestershire.

Last time Steve Cotteril’s League One winners played in front of the Sky Sports cameras, they upset his former club Nottingham Forest, but are 21/10 outsiders to come away from Cardiff with victory. A draw, meanwhile, is a 12/5 chance.

Mason and Whittingham worth bets

Top Bluebirds marksman Joe Mason, who has five in a dozen outings now given the nod by Slade, features in an enhanced matchday special wincast at 7/2. It’s well worth staking up to £20 on that boosted price bet because the Irish forward has scored against Bristol City before.

Long-serving Cardiff playmaker Peter Whittingham can never be ruled out because of brilliance from dead balls, and anytime odds again of 7/2 should also appeal to punters.

Robins combination of Wilbraham and Cox

Bristol City skipper Aaron Wilbraham may be a veteran frontman now, but he twice found the net in their previous televised outing, and is a terrific 13/2 to grab the opener again.

On-loan Reading striker Simon Cox, meanwhile hit a memorable hat-trick in West Bromwich Albion colours against the Bluebirds during a League Cup tie, so should be considered at 2/1 anytime.

One-time Rotherham teammates Agard and Revell face off

For two years, Cardiff forward Alex Revell (15/8 anytime) and Robins attacker Kieran Agard (11/4 in that market) played together up front for Rotherham United, but coming up against one another makes for an interesting subplot.

There is thus enough firepower in these respective frontlines to see the trend of a home win with both teams scoring continue and thus being a safe bet at 7/2. Such a result will bring Slade’s side to the cusp of the play-off places.

Related

Check out our Championship section.

Coral’s top tip: Back the Bluebirds to beat Bristol City with both teams being on target at that sweet 7/2 price.