Cardiff v Blackpool Betting Pick 1 – 4 February 2012

Championship Tips

Cardiff City v Blackpool

Promotion hopefuls Cardiff entertain Blackpool as both sides battle it out for the points in their bids to get to the Premier League next season.

Cardiff have been previewed in this blog several times already and have obliged more than once. Their style of play is well suited to playing at home because they keep the ball and have plenty of width in their team which results in a lot of chances being created. With nine home wins to their name they have one of the strongest home records in the division as well as losing just two matches all season on their own patch. They have won the first three home games of 2012 in all competitions which included clinching a place in the League Cup final after getting the better of fellow Championship side Crystal Palace. Between now and the final the Bluebirds have several important games in the league to contend with and as they are pushing for the automatic promotion spots, every point and every game is crucial.

Blackpool are looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League after being relegated last season. Ian Holloway has had to transform his squad after dropping down to the Championship so it’s a testament to both him and the players he has brought in that they are, once again, challenging at the top end of the table. Currently in seventh position, one point off the final play-off spot, there is all to play for in this, the first week of February. With just one defeat in their last 11 matches in all competitions they themselves are on an excellent run of form. Particularly strong at home, Holloway’s men have also been improving on their travels and score plenty of goals. Nine goals from their last five matches away from home suggest that no home defence is going to get an easy time of it.

The Scottish contingent will once again be instrumental for Cardiff tomorrow. Kenny Miller leads the line so well upfront and is ably supported by Don Cowie and Craig Conway who continue to impress since joining in the Summer. Both add a dimension to the side which opposition sides find hard to deal with.

Blackpool will have to ensure that they defend better than they have when the travel South to Wales tomorrow. The Tangerines have one of the worst records in the top half of the Championship having conceded 35 thus far. Derby and Leeds are the only two teams in the top 12 who have conceded more.

I am a massive fan of Cardiff’s style of play as they look to pin the visitors back at every opportunity. Opposition defences need to withstand a lot of pressure and I’m not sure if Blackpool will be able to do that. Cardiff may have too much for their opponents on Saturday, but they will have to be wary at the back.

My Selection: Cardiff to beat Blackpool

Best odds available: 5/6 available with BetVictor