CARDIFF CITY v MIDDLESBROUGH
nPower Championship
Monday 2nd May 2011 – Kickoff 5.15pm
3rd placed Cardiff City could find themselves in an automatic promotion spot even if they lose to visitors Middlesbrough if the latest report surrounding QPR is to be believed – courtesy of Fox Sports news.
If the ruling is upheld, Cardiff City are in a great position to be promoted to the top flight along with Norwich City, so they will definitely be up for their final home match against Boro. The Bluebirds possess a strong home record of 12-7-3 41/22 and remain undefeated in eight matches home & away.
Leading scorer striker Jay Bothroyd (18 goals, 8 assists) is in red-hot form, along with evergreen Craig Bellamy (10 goals, 10 assists) and the ever consistent Peter Whittingham (11 goals, 10 assists) who have provided Cardiff with the necessary cutting edge up front. Don’t forget Michael Chopra (9 goals) either as he chips in with vital goals off the bench.
Cardiff City have not lost to Middlesbrough at home in their last four encounters.
Middlesbrough travel to Wales with seemingly nothing to play for as they are safe from relegation and out of the play-off frame and sit in mid-table comfort. Boro have put together some good performances of late though and are seeking their third successive league win having disposed of Hull City 4-2 away and 2-1 over Coventry City.
Their away record stands at a disappointing 6-4-12 28/36 and will have to be content with another season in the Championship come August despite early season predictions of automatic promotion back up to the Premiership.
Cardiff will need to be wary of strikers Leroy Lita and Scott McDonald, but will have their work cut out to get anything from this match with Cardiff being handed that extra incentive now.
The Verdict: In my opinion Cardiff possess the better players capable of producing creativity and goals while Boro have come up with some good results. The impetus should be with the home side in this one though and I’m backing Cardiff to do the business in front of their home fans. Cardiff City to win 2-0.
Main Pick: Cardiff City AH-1 @ 2.06 with Pinnacle looks a tasty option
