Cardiff City vs Blackpool: Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Cardiff City host Blackpool on Saturday afternoon. The Bluebirds aim to reduce the deficit to league leaders Lincoln City.

Our Cardiff City vs Blackpool: Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups covers injuries, form and likely XIs. Filmogaz.com provides the analysis ahead of the clash.

Match context

Cardiff have slipped after a strong start to the campaign. They lost three of their last six matches.

The most recent defeat was a 2-0 home loss to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night. Two late goals widened the gap to the leaders to five points.

Manager Brian Barry-Murphy’s side still hold a healthy cushion over third place. They sit ten points clear of Bolton Wanderers.

There are eight league games remaining for Cardiff. Four of those fixtures are at home.

Home form

Cardiff have won 14 of their 19 home matches. That is the third-best home record in League One.

Only Lincoln City and Bradford City have a better home return. A home win would strengthen Cardiff’s automatic promotion bid.

Blackpool’s situation

Ian Evatt’s Blackpool travel south in need of momentum. They occupy the highest relegation place.

Blackpool have collected 41 points from 38 league games. Their most recent result was a 3-2 win over Port Vale.

The victory over Port Vale ended a five-game run without a win. The Seasiders twice recovered from losing positions to secure the three points.

Blackpool’s away record is a concern. They have the division’s second-worst away points return, earning 29.3% of their points away from home.

A positive result in Cardiff could lift them out of the bottom four with seven matches remaining.

Recent form

• Cardiff League One form: L W L D W L
• Blackpool League One form: D L D L L W

Team News

Cardiff face selection changes after a sending-off. Gabriel Osho received a red card before half-time and will be suspended.

Harry Tyrer, Isaak Davies and Yousef Salech remain sidelined through injury.

Blackpool had no fresh injury or suspension concerns after their last match. Fraser Horsfall missed that game due to a prior red card.

Horsfall has served his suspension and could return to the starting XI. The visitors will still be without James Tilley, Kamarl Grant, Andy Lyons, Ryan Finnigan, Albie Morgan and Michael Obafemi.

Ian Evatt is likely to keep Ashley Fletcher leading the line, supported by Niall Ennis.

Probable lineups

Prediction

These teams arrive at the fixture with contrasting objectives. Cardiff chase promotion while Blackpool fight to avoid relegation.

Filmogaz.com predicts a solid home win. Final score prediction: Cardiff 2-0 Blackpool.