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The Cardiff City Stadium will host the 119th South Wales derby as Cardiff City welcome Swansea City on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 12.30 PM UK time. This match sees two fierce rivals face off, with Cardiff sitting 21st in the Championship table and Swansea 12th. Cardiff come into this match on the back of a 1-1 draw with Watford, while Swansea suffered a 3-0 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup.

Cardiff are unbeaten in their last five matches, while Swansea are winless in their last three. Can Cardiff secure a vital win in the derby, or will Swansea bounce back and claim bragging rights?

Team Analysis:

Cardiff City:

Cardiff City have been in mixed form this season, sitting 21st in the table with 24 points from 26 games. Under Omer Riza, they are unbeaten in their last five matches, but three consecutive draws have left them just one point above the relegation zone. Their recent 1-1 draw with Watford highlighted their resilience, with Cian Ashford scoring the opening goal.

Key players like Cian Ashford, Callum Robinson, and Perry Ng will need to step up if Cardiff are to secure a vital win. However, injuries to Aaron Ramsey and Roko Simic could weaken their squad. Cardiff’s home form has been poor, with no wins in their last six Championship games at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Swansea City:

Swansea City have been inconsistent this season, sitting 12th in the table with 35 points from 26 games. Under Luke Williams, they are winless in their last three matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup. Their recent 1-1 draw with West Brom showcased their defensive vulnerabilities, with Joe Allen scoring a late equaliser.

Key players like Liam Cullen, Jamie Paterson, and Matt Grimes will need to deliver if Swansea are to secure a positive result. However, injuries to Oliver Cooper, Kristian Pedersen, and Ben Cabango could complicate matters. Swansea’s away form has been poor, with three consecutive away defeats.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

The rivalry between Cardiff and Swansea has been fiercely contested, with Swansea unbeaten in their last five meetings. Cardiff’s last victory over Swansea came in April 2024, with a 2-1 win at the Cardiff City Stadium. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw, with Callum Robinson scoring for Cardiff and Jamie Paterson netting for Swansea.

Prediction:

This match is finely balanced, with Cardiff’s unbeaten run and home advantage giving them hope. However, Swansea’s quality and experience in derby matches make them slight favourites. Expect a closely contested game, with a draw likely.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Cardiff City 1-1 Swansea City

Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under
• Anytime Goalscorer: Cian Ashford (Cardiff City)
• Hot Stat: Cardiff are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions.

Possible Lineups:

Cardiff City: Alnwick; Ng, Daland, Goutas, O’Dowda; Chambers, Rinomhota; Ashford, Robertson, Colwill; Robinson
Swansea City: Vigouroux; Key, Christie, Naughton, Tymon; Grimes, Franco; Ronald, Peart-Harris, Eom; Cullen

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