On Friday night, high-flying Championship outfit Cardiff City host Preston North End at the Cardiff City Stadium, as the home side look to enhance their promotion chances.
Neil Warnock’s team are currently third in the Championship table. However, the Welsh side only trail second-place Bristol City on goal difference, so even a draw would take the home side into the automatic promotion spots.
The Bluebirds form has taken a turn for the worse in recent games, with the Welsh side suffering consecutive defeats against Bolton and last time out against Fulham.
A key to Cardiff’s promotion push this season has been their home form. Prior to the surprise 4-2 defeat by Fulham last time out, the Welsh side were unbeaten in 11 matches on home soil in the second tier.
In fact, Warnock’s side had recorded four consecutive home victories in the Championship before the defeat by the Cottagers on Boxing Day. The home side will be keen to get back to winning ways in this clash.
Preston head into this clash ninth in the Championship table, just four points off the play-off positions in the second tier.
If it were not for two consecutive draws in the league against Nottingham Forest and last time out Barnsley, Alex Neil’s side could be in an even better position.
However, as it is North End are unbeaten in eight games in the second tier, having recorded four wins and four draws. Their recent league games have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last six games.
The side from Lancashire also have a decent away record in the Championship in recent games, as they are on a run of four games unbeaten in the second tier.
Both teams head into this clash in decent form and Forebet predicts that this one will finish all square.