The next edition of the Severnside derby arrives on Saturday afternoon as Cardiff City look to secure valuable points when they host Bristol City in South Wales.
The Bluebirds have improved under new management in recent weeks and have earned some notable victories, whereas Bristol City will be hoping to put an FA Cup defeat behind them by defeating their fierce rivals.
Match preview
© Reuters
Cardiff have dragged themselves away from the bottom three of the second tier over the past three matches, collecting six points in that trio of fixtures - a record you would associate more with a promotion push than a relegation dogfight.
New manager Sabri Lamouchi achieved his first maximum as the Bluebirds boss in a scrappy affair at St Andrew's against Birmingham City, and three days later followed that up with a 1-0 home success over Paul Ince's Reading.
A trip to Carrow Road to face promotion-chasing Norwich City proved a step too far last weekend however, after strikes from Gabriel Sara and Marquinhos downed the Welsh outfit, although supporters will not be disheartened after improved performances under ex-Nottingham Forest man Lamouchi.
The Bluebirds are currently 21st in the Championship table, which at first glance appears to be a very precarious position, however recent wins have allowed the Welsh side to build a four-point advantage over the relegation zone, with Huddersfield Town, Blackpool and Wigan Athletic all on 31 points.
Cardiff will be hoping to change their fortunes in the Severnside derby this weekend - Bristol City have been victorious in the last three encounters, while the last time The Bluebirds beat their rivals on home soil was in 2018.
© Reuters
Bristol City travel over the border this weekend after a valiant - yet ultimately unsuccessful - effort in the FA Cup round of 16 at home to Premier League holders Manchester City on Tuesday night.
The Robins had some commendable performances in the game, including that of youngster Alex Scott, however the might of the Citizens proved too strong, with a brace from Phil Foden and a long-range strike from Kevin De Bruyne securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.
Nigel Pearson's men now recalibrate their focus to league matters, in which City are enjoying their best run of form in the Championship so far this season, with manager-player falling-outs that hindered progress earlier in the campaign feeling a long time ago.
Nahki Wells netted a 70th-minute penalty at Ashton Gate against Hull City last weekend to extend Bristol City's unbeaten run in the second tier to an impressive nine matches, with Pearson's men looking upwards now rather than worryingly over their shoulder.
Sitting in 13th place and 10 points behind Luton Town in sixth, Bristol City have a mammoth task ahead of them if they are to challenge for a playoff berth, however considering their recent form, there is no reason why Robins supporters should not dream of an exciting finish to the season.
Team News
© Reuters
Cardiff look set to change their XI after the defeat against Norwich, with Connor Wickham, Joe Ralls and Mahlon Romeo all in danger of losing their spots in the side after being substituted during the half-time interval at Carrow Road last time out.
The exclusion of Wickham from the team could allow Sory Kaba to regain his place in the Bluebirds side, with the 27-year-old forward a magnet for big chances - although his finishing is not at the standard to take full of advantage of such a quality.
Bristol City will remain without the services of striker Tommy Conway this weekend - the youngster continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in January and is expected to be back in the middle of this month.
The Robins have a pair of key absences at centre-back with both Kal Naismith (calf) and Robert Atkinson (cruciate ligament) unavailable for selection, with the latter out for the remainder of the season.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Allsopp; Ng, Kipre, McGuinness, O'Dowda; Philogene-Bidace, Sawyers, Wintle, Robinson; Etete, Kaba
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Kalas, Pring; James, Williams, Sykes, Scott, Mehmeti; Wells
We say: Cardiff City 2-2 Bristol City
Despite a defeat last time out against Norwich, Cardiff are looking significantly improved under Lamouchi and will view this Severnside derby as a good opportunity to further distance themselves from the bottom three.
Bristol endured arguably the hardest workout in English football against Manchester City on Tuesday night, and going toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola's side should set them up well for a return to Championship action this weekend.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
