Cardiff vs Bristol City: Bluebirds set to maintain perfect start
Published:As impressive as Malky Mackay’s work at Watford was, Cardiff’s decision to hire him as Dave Jones’ replacement was a gamble. On the evidence of his first week in charge though, it looks like being one which pays off…
Match odds
Mackay started his stint in the Cardiff dugout with a win at West Ham and Carling Cup progress at Oxford, but it was at home that the Bluebirds’ promotion push was derailed last season, so Sunday’s clash with Bristol City will prove just as interesting a test.
The Robins’ first fixture went as disastrously as Cardiff’s went well, as they were turned over 3-0 by Ipswich at Ashton Gate, recalling memories of a horrific defeat by the same scoreline on the opening day last term against Millwall that took ages to recover from.
Keith Millen’s side’s record in the Welsh capital doesn’t inspire much optimism that they will swiftly turn things around, as they have lost on all three of their visits to the Cardiff City Stadium and taken just a point from a possible 18 away to them since 2003.
The hosts are 4/6 to triumph, with the draw offered at 5/2 and Bristol City to enjoy an August league victory on their travels for the first time in three years.
Other markets
Four of Bristol City’s last five losses in Cardiff have been suffered by a one-goal margin, indicating that the total number of goals scored is likely to be an odd number at 9/10.
Half of those were achieved by the 1-0 scoreline that Mackay’s men pulled off at the Boleyn Ground a week ago, and it is 6/1 for that result to be replicated.
It is 4/1 that Kenny Miller is responsible for breaking the deadlock again but it is Robert Earnshaw who will surely be afforded the loudest ovation on his first home game back at the club, and he is 4/1 to respond with the opener.
