Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff predictions and football betting tips for this weekend’s 3pm kick-off in the Championship.
With all eyes on the top three, there’s one issue that hasn’t been fully resolved yet, it’s the race for the final play-off spot. We’ve got the best bets for the match which kicks off at 3pm this weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff Preview
Sheffield Wednesday
The final play-off could be claimed by 5pm on Saturday afternoon. It’s in Wednesday’s hands as they look to finally see off Cardiff, who are four points shy of 6th place. Carlos Carvalhal’s side have had a little wobble, but they got a valuable point against Derby last weekend and they can build on that here. They have been strong at home all season and are undefeated in their last four matches at Hillsborough. Although they could only manage draws with now-relegated MK Dons and Ipswich.
Even a point would be enough here to secure that final berth and with Sheffield Wednesday having only lost twice at home all season (to Middlesbrough and Rotherham), it’s hard to see them slipping up here. They’ve had a few injuries of late, but they still have plenty of squad depth. It isn’t the end of the world if they lose here as a win at Molineux on the final day of the season would still clinch the play-off spot.
Fans have lamented the slow starts in South Yorkshire by their side and they will need to be on the front foot here. Cardiff are decent at the back and will look to frustrate Wednesday.
Carvalhal have tried to deflect the pressure off his players this week and he will hope his players can play with their usual freedom. With the majesty of Fernando Forestieri in the side, there’s always the opportunity to create a chance out of nothing. Glen Loovens has said Forestieri is the key man and gives the side an extra dimension and the Rosario born frontman has netted 15 times this season. But, he can drop deep and has been integral to creating chances this season. Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping for victory over Cardiff for the first time in six meetings.
Cardiff
Russell Slade doesn’t know whether he will be in charge of the Bluebirds next season and although missing out on the play-offs would be a huge disappointment, having something to play for with two games left Is a decent achievement.
Cardiff have suffered from the lack of a potent striker this season and they needed Kenneth Zohore to rescue the match against Bolton. The young Dane was direct and powerful and saved embarrassment in South Wales. Cardiff simply have to win this match though and the fact they have a good record against Sheffield Wednesday will give them plenty of encouragement.
They’ve only picked up two points from their last four away matches though and that’s the biggest worry for the visitors. They’ve only won five times away all season and they’ve all been against sides positioned 14th or below.
Cardiff are organised though and Slade will make sure his team don’t give anything away and look to hit Wednesday from a set piece. It isn’t the most exotic or encapsulating way to play football, but it has been effective this campaign. David Marshall is one of the best keepers in the league and with a decent defence in front of him, they can frustrate Wednesday, just as they did against Burnley at the start of the month. Russell Slade will be hoping that the pressure gets to Wednesday and his side can take advantage.
Team News
Ross Wallace will be the biggest loss for the home side as he sits out the remainder of his three match ban. The winger was sent off against MK Dons and won’t play again until the play-offs. Joe Bennett is also out injured with Daniel Pudil likely to deputise at left-back. Sam Hutchinson could return.
Kenneth Zohore will feel as though he’s done enough to merit a start again after his performance against Bolton. The pacey frontman is a goalscorer and with Glen Loovens not getting any younger, he could be in for a busy afternoon. Slade will have a couple of players returning to the squad with defender Bruno Manga having shaken off an illness and Lex Immers hoping to be in contention for this. Joe Rall’s injury isn’t thought to be as serious as it looked and he could also feature here.
Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff Predictions
I think this match will probably end all square. Neither side are in good form coming into this game and it’s hard to back Cardiff on their travels. I think Wednesday will be nervous and a point would be enough for them to book their place in the top six. My first Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff betting tip is for the match to end in a draw.
I think this one will be low scoring. Cardiff will want to keep Wednesday out and have been effective with their tactics in the past. Three of the Bluebirds last five matches have gone Under 2.5 goals whilst Wednesday’s last two have gone the same way. My second Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff betting tip is for Under 2.5 goals.
UNDER 2.5 GOALS – 4/5 with Coral.
We’ve mentioned him a couple of times already, but Kenneth Zohore has been lively whenever he’s played. He scored against Brentford when he came on and grabbed his second last weekend. My third Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff prediction is for Kenneth Zohore to score anytime.
ZOHORE TO SCORE ANYTIME – 3/1 with bet365.
Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff Betting Tips
Draw – 5/2 Betfred.
Under 2.5 goals – 4/5 Coral.
Kenneth Zohore to score anytime – 3/1 Bet365.
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Jack Critchley
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