Bitesize Prediction: Derby vs Cardiff – 14/09/24

Competition: Championship

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 4/11 @ BetUS

Hoping to find a shock route into the play-off places this weekend, Derby will welcome Cardiff to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, while Derby might have only made their Championship return this season, the Rams have gained plenty of early plaudits. Heading into September’s international break with a rampant performance as they stormed their way to a 3-0 victory against Bristol City, Paul Warne’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Despite watching their EFL Cup adventure come to an abrupt end last month as they fell to a shock penalties defeat against League Two outfit Barrow, the former Rotherham boss has seen his squad win two of their opening four showdowns against Championship opposition. Marking their return from the fortnight interval sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the play-off places, Derby should also be excited by their recent success on home soil. In fact, continuing on from their summer preparations, the Rams have won each of their last four matchups at Pride Park by an aggregate score of 8-2.

As for the visitors, while some in Cardiff’s camp might have opened up the new campaign with their sights set on mounting a play-off charge, the Bluebirds have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability. Heading into September’s fortnight break with another worrying display as they fell to a 2-0 loss at home against Middlesbrough, Erol Bulut’s men have collected just a single point from any of their first four Championship appearances. Marking their return on Saturday afternoon sat rock-bottom of the Championship standings, Cardiff have also continued to show some worrying defensive issues. Crashing out of the EFL Cup on August 28th following an action-packed 5-3 defeat at home against Premier League outfit Southampton, the one-time Fenerbahce boss could have another tricky test on his hands this weekend. It should also be noted, continuing on from last season, the Bluebirds have recorded just a single clean sheet from their last 14 Championship showdowns.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Derby vs Cardiff  4/11 for Saturday’s Championship matchup @ BetUS