Prediction: Cardiff vs Watford

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend, as we prepare to enter the final few months of the campaign. The remaining competitions that clubs are still competing in will now begin to stretch the teams involved, and that’s going to make for some pretty interesting viewing. One of the games that we’re taking a look at will be between Cardiff City and Watford, both of whom have a lot left to play for this season. Of course, it’s not your classic ‘top six battle’ that usually draws in the casual fans, but it’s intriguing.

Cardiff

The Bluebirds have had the definition of a hectic campaign since August, when everyone was writing them off as relegation certainties. Neil Warnock often gets a lot of criticism from fans of other clubs and has done for years now, but there’s no denying that he’s done well to keep them above the drop zone. Whether or not they’re able to carry that on until May remains to be seen, but if they can keep up this kind of pace, then they’re in for a rollercoaster ride.

Team News

Sean Morrison and Jazz Richards are touch and go ahead of this one, but aside from that, Warnock should have a relatively fit squad to choose from.

Watford

The Hornets have defied all expectations that were made of them at the start of the season, and now, they find themselves in a great position. Not only do they have a good chance of qualifying for the Europa League, but they’re also just a few games away from an FA Cup Final. They seem to thrive on being pushed to one side and forgotten about, but if they can carry on this current trajectory, nobody will be able to deny them.

Team News

Jose Holebas will be banned for this game, although Sebastian Prodl and Roberto Pereyra are expected to feature after not playing in the FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium.
• Cardiff have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Watford have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Cardiff have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Watford have scored five goals and conceded two in their last six games.

Conclusion

Cardiff and Watford are two teams who appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time this season. With that in mind, it feels like we could be in for a bit of a stalemate here. Both sides are gritty and physical, and we think that they’re going to hold one another to a goalless draw. That isn’t the worst result in the world for either team and we should get an entertaining game out of it, but if you’re interested in a goalfest, then perhaps you’ll have to look elsewhere this weekend.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: bet365