Cardiff City host Preston North End in a Friday evening game that holds a great incentive for both teams, with their promotion rivals in action the day after.
The visitors can move to within a point of sixth place Sheffield United with victory while their hosts can go three points clear of Severnside foes Bristol City in the automatic promotion race.
Match odds
Cardiff are Evens (2.0) to do so with a 15th triumph of their league campaign whilst avenging their 3-0 loss at Deepdale back in September.
The Bluebirds have just lost to Bolton and Fulham though and are 11/4 (3.75) for a third consecutive defeat when they play North End, who are unbeaten in seven.
No side in the entire EFL have drawn more games than Alex Neil’s troops, who are 12/5 (3.4) for an 11th tie of the campaign.
The case for unders
There is reason therefore to expect a tight encounter and Under 2.5 goals, which has occurred in 56% of games involving either side, is 8/11 (1.73).
To boot, neither side have scored before the 57th minute in any of their combined nine December games: the Under 0.5 first half goals thus appeals at 13/8 (2.63).
It is testament to Neil Warnock’s organizational qualities that Cardiff have conceded three or more goals in just six of his 62 games in charge; a clean sheet immediately followed on three of the previous five occasions and an 11th shut-out of the campaign is 13/8 (2.63) after a 4-2 defeat to Fulham.
Players to watch
Kenneth Zahore scored a stunner in that match, his first start since October and is 13/10 (2.3) to continue his recovery from injury with two in two.
Another impressive forward is Jordan Hugill: three of Preston’s nine wins this term have been 1-0 with the 25-year-old scoring the winner and a repeat is a tempting outside shot at 30/1 (31.0).
Tips and predictions
Our best bet is the 5/6 (1.83) on there being no goals before the 31st minute: the odds imply a 54.5% chance yet that eventuality has occurred in 62.5% of games involving either side this term. Considering the game is likely to be a cagey affair and the bookmakers reflect that in their under 2.5 quote, this could be a more enticing option with neither side wanting to give away anything in the early stages.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
No goal before 31:00 at 5/6 (1.83) for a 2pt stake with bet365
