Cardiff City can make huge strides towards earning a play-off spot when they welcome Derby County to South Wales on Tuesday evening.
Cardiff Look to Take Huge Step Towards Play-Offs Against Derby
A Play-Off Six-Pointer
Neil Harris’ side sit just one point ahead of fierce rivals Swansea City and occupy the final place in the top six. They take on a Derby side only three points behind them but without a win in three matches.
It really is the ‘last chance saloon’ for the East Midlands side, who are still to play league leaders Leeds United in their penultimate fixture.
With just three games of the regular season left to play, a result for either team could reaffirm or reignite their play-off bids.
However, both sides come into the match off the back of consecutive defeats. The Bluebirds lost 3-2 to Blackburn Rovers before succumbing to Fulham in a 2-0 defeat. Phillip Cocu’s side didn’t have life any easier though, a 2-0 loss away to West Brom was swiftly followed by a 3-1 defeat at the hands of in-form Brentford.
Cardiff Looking to Salvage Some Form
Neil Harris’ side restarted their season with some impressive performances, defeating both Leeds and Preston North End, yet they’ve since come crashing back to earth. Cardiff have won just once in their last four matches, with their play-off push stalling as a result.
Despite, the poor results, the Welsh side have managed to keep three clean sheets in their last six outings. When facing Derby, boss Neil Harris has lost just once five meetings with the East Midlands side.
Derby Visit Cardiff Hoping to Reignite Form
Last week was not ideal for the Rams, a draw and two losses against three top-six sides severely dented their slim play-off chances.
However, a win in South Wales could be the perfect medicine ahead of the final two games of the season. Phillip Cocu’s side, who currently sit tenth, can go level on points with their opponents should they win.
Despite not getting onto the scoresheet at West Brom, that was the only time in 2020 that Derby haven’t scored away from home.
However, if the Rams are to score, they will need to be much more creative in the final third; this may prove a challenge given their current absentees.
Derby May Lack Firepower Against Cardiff
Derby boss Phillip Cocu has confirmed that Duane Holmes will miss the trip through injury. He joins Martyn Waghorn, who is suspended, and Jack Marriott as attackers unavailable for the Rams. Other long-term absentees include Krystian Bielik and Andre Wisdom.
After a poor performance last weekend, goalkeeper Ben Hamer could see himself replaced by Dutchman Kelle Roos in between the sticks.
The hosts only have forward Isaac Vassell unavailable for the midweek clash but could make some changes nonetheless.
Lee Tomlin, Robert Glatzel and Josh Murphy all featured off the bench on Friday night and could break into the starting line-up.
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