Cardiff vs Hull predictions: Little to split play-off chasing pair

– Cardiff have scored five goals in their last four home games in the Championship
– Hull have kept one clean sheet in their previous 10 games in the second tier
– Recommended bet: Both teams to score

Cardiff and Hull still have hopes of finishing in the play-offs this season, and there is plenty to play for as the two teams prepare to meet at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Championship on Saturday.

Only two points and one point separate the two teams in the league table, and it is Hull that are slightly ahead, and they even have a game in hand over the Bluebirds.

The Tigers are six points off the top six after Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds, but both teams will still harbour hopes that they can sneak into the promotion picture.

Team news

Cardiff coach Erol Bulut is expected to be without Kion Etete, Jak Alnwick and Mark McGuinness, but the trio could return next week against Birmingham or Millwall.

Hull manager Liam Rosenior is without defender Jacob Greaves due to suspension, while forward Liam Delap remains sidelined due to a knee problem, but he is thought to be close to a return this month.

The stats

Hull have won the last five meetings between the two clubs, while they kept clean sheets in the previous two victories over the Bluebirds.

Cardiff have won five of their last seven games, while they have only lost two of their previous eight in the Championship.

At home, Cardiff have only lost one of their last five, while Hull are winless in six in the second tier. The Tigers have lost successive games to fall further behind in the race for the top six.

Prediction

Hull’s recent dip in form is far from ideal if they want to finish amongst the play-off places, but they have had to play the likes of Preston, Leicester and Leeds in recent weeks.

Rosenior’s side have failed to see games out, but finding the back of the net has not been an issue.

The Tigers have scored in 16 of their 19 away games this season in the Championship, and seven of those have come in their last five.

However, they have also only kept one clean sheet in their previous 10 in the league and that should give Cardiff the boost they need to try and win and jump above them.

It is difficult to back either side in the win market with conviction, but both teams have what it takes to find the back of the net.