West Brom vs Cardiff prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-02-12 20:00.
With four teams clear at the top of the Championship, it seems like just two play-off places are still up for grabs and fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion occupy the first of them, despite only winning one of their last three league fixtures (D1, L1). That draw came against Ipswich (2-2) on Saturday, when conceding a late equaliser compounded losing Kyle Bartley and Daryl Dike to potentially serious injuries.
The Baggies must respond to those setbacks but at least they can start at home, where they’ve won their last four league fixtures while conceding just once. As they’re also unbeaten at The Hawthorns against Cardiff City since losing 2-0 in December 2009 (W2, D3 since), hopes will be high of making it five straight home league wins in a row – something they last achieved just over a year ago.
Even the long-awaited return from injury of Aaron Ramsey couldn’t inspire Cardiff against Preston on Saturday (L 2-0) as the mid-table side suffered their third defeat in four league fixtures (W1). Manager Erol Bulut has spoken of a loss of confidence while also calling for patience, as he tries to integrate his January signings ahead of them playing four games in 13 days.
In terms of points, the Bluebirds start the round closer to the play-off places than the relegation zone so there’s everything to play for and they’ve been impressive on the road recently, winning three of their last four Championship away outings (L1). That poor record at The Hawthorns will take some overcoming, but at least drawing on their last two visits gives them something to work with.
Players to watch: Tom Fellows has opened the scoring for WBA inside 20 minutes in two of their last four league fixtures. Josh Bowler netted Cardiff’s winner against Watford (W 1-0) in their last away game, with that his third goal of the season, all of which arrived between the 20th minute and half-time.
Hot stat: West Brom are the only Championship side yet to pick up a point having trailed at half-time this term (L6).