The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar up
Wed Feb 10, 2021 3:19 pm
The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar up to seventh in the table on Saturday as Big Mick makes early mark
New manager Mick McCarthy has only been in situ for just over a fortnight, but already he has given a fresh buzz to the Bluebirds
By Paul Abbandonato
Wednesday 10th February 2021
Cardiff City could be as high as seventh on Saturday if results go their way
What a difference a manager makes.
Just 19 days ago, having endured their sixth defeat on the trot and plunged into a downward spiral, there was a fear Cardiff City might even be relegated amongst some fans.
The Bluebirds stood 15th in the table, way adrift of the play-off target the club had set and looking worryingly over their shoulder.
Enter Mick McCarthy as the new man and in the space of four unbeaten matches and less than three weeks, it is as if a dark cloud has been lifted from the team and their passionate fan base.
Suddenly Cardiff are looking - and heading - upwards.
Instead of concerns about going into League One, or accepting mid-table mediocrity at best, Cardiff fans are today eyeing an unlikely run from the back to push for the play-offs.
An impossible ask?
As we know, the Championship is such a bonkers division anything can happen by stringing a few wins together.
Indeed, by beating Coventry and making it three victories on the trot, it is even possible McCarthy's Bluebirds could be sitting as high as seventh in the table by Saturday night.
Yes, you read that correctly - seventh.
The last play-off spot, although still some way off points- wise, suddenly tantalisingly in their sights.
Wow, who on earth would have thought that possible 19 days ago?
These are the results that would need to unfold for it to happen...
Blackburn v Preston
This is the Friday night game and the likelihood is that Blackburn, already two points clear of Cardiff, will themselves win to leapfrog Middlesbrough in seventh spot and stand just behind Bournemouth in that last play-off position.
But time and again we see upsets in the Championship, arguably the most topsy-turvy league in world football.
Preston themselves were hoping to challenge for the top six, but made a poor start, have slipped up in the last three games and know they need to make up ground.
As a Lancashire derby, this shouldn't be a cakewalk for Blackburn.
If Preston can pull off a surprise, win, it sets things up perfectly for Saturday's scenario.
Derby v Middlesbrough
Neil Warnock's Boro are punching above their weight in seventh position at the moment.
The popular former Bluebirds boss would be the first to admit his squad is nowhere near as strong as Cardiff's.
They have been further hit by injury, haven't won in four and Derby are desperate for points to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.
Under Wayne Rooney they have also won three of their last four.
If Boro lose and Cardiff win, the Bluebirds could draw level on 40 points but go ahead on better goal difference.
Neil Warnock would love to have the strength of Cardiff's squad (Image: Getty Images)
Norwich v Stoke
Stoke are two points ahead of Cardiff on 39 and, like the Bluebirds, have perhaps been punching below their weight this season.
But it will be a tough ask for Michael O'Neill's men to get anything away to the league leaders.
Even if they manage a draw, Cardiff could eclipse them on goal difference by defeating Coventry.
Watford v Bristol City
Bristol City are one place and two points clear of Cardiff, but they too have a tough ask away from home.
Watford expected to be in the top two this season so, down in fifth, they know they have to make up ground and win this one.
Bristol City have also lost three on the trot, including to McCarthy's Bluebirds.
They're not in great form.
Cardiff City v Coventry
Of course, even if the above results each went in their favour, Cardiff would still need to do their own bit by defeating Coventry.
Nothing can be taken for granted in the Championship, Mick McCarthy knows that better than most given his impressive track record at this level.
Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy has brought a smile back to the faces of Bluebirds fans (Image: PA Wire)
But he'll be ramming home to his players that after their stoic efforts in the snow at Rotherham, where they displayed real character and guts to grind out a win, they have to follow that up with home victory over a Coventry side who have won just one in five.
Even if the other results don't go completely their way this weekend, Cardiff can still do themselves a power of good by taking another three points and climbing a little further up the table.
Confidence boosted, belief in their ability again, they could then eye two more winnable matches that are looming against Luton and Preston and continue the ascent.
The play-offs still seem an outside prospect. But if Cardiff can get them in their sights, with momentum, their set-piece expertise and real forward power, they could yet prove very difficult to stop as the business end of the season approaches.
Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson, Seyi Ojo, Josh Murphy, a fit again Lee Tomlin and newcomer Jonny Williams is not a bad little group from which to perm your creativity.
Mick McCarthy is finally getting this talented squad of players towards where they should be - much higher up the table.
And Cardiff fans are starting to get a smile back on their faces again.
New manager Mick McCarthy has only been in situ for just over a fortnight, but already he has given a fresh buzz to the Bluebirds
By Paul Abbandonato
Wednesday 10th February 2021
Cardiff City could be as high as seventh on Saturday if results go their way
What a difference a manager makes.
Just 19 days ago, having endured their sixth defeat on the trot and plunged into a downward spiral, there was a fear Cardiff City might even be relegated amongst some fans.
The Bluebirds stood 15th in the table, way adrift of the play-off target the club had set and looking worryingly over their shoulder.
Enter Mick McCarthy as the new man and in the space of four unbeaten matches and less than three weeks, it is as if a dark cloud has been lifted from the team and their passionate fan base.
Suddenly Cardiff are looking - and heading - upwards.
Instead of concerns about going into League One, or accepting mid-table mediocrity at best, Cardiff fans are today eyeing an unlikely run from the back to push for the play-offs.
An impossible ask?
As we know, the Championship is such a bonkers division anything can happen by stringing a few wins together.
Indeed, by beating Coventry and making it three victories on the trot, it is even possible McCarthy's Bluebirds could be sitting as high as seventh in the table by Saturday night.
Yes, you read that correctly - seventh.
The last play-off spot, although still some way off points- wise, suddenly tantalisingly in their sights.
Wow, who on earth would have thought that possible 19 days ago?
These are the results that would need to unfold for it to happen...
Blackburn v Preston
This is the Friday night game and the likelihood is that Blackburn, already two points clear of Cardiff, will themselves win to leapfrog Middlesbrough in seventh spot and stand just behind Bournemouth in that last play-off position.
But time and again we see upsets in the Championship, arguably the most topsy-turvy league in world football.
Preston themselves were hoping to challenge for the top six, but made a poor start, have slipped up in the last three games and know they need to make up ground.
As a Lancashire derby, this shouldn't be a cakewalk for Blackburn.
If Preston can pull off a surprise, win, it sets things up perfectly for Saturday's scenario.
Derby v Middlesbrough
Neil Warnock's Boro are punching above their weight in seventh position at the moment.
The popular former Bluebirds boss would be the first to admit his squad is nowhere near as strong as Cardiff's.
They have been further hit by injury, haven't won in four and Derby are desperate for points to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.
Under Wayne Rooney they have also won three of their last four.
If Boro lose and Cardiff win, the Bluebirds could draw level on 40 points but go ahead on better goal difference.
Neil Warnock would love to have the strength of Cardiff's squad (Image: Getty Images)
Norwich v Stoke
Stoke are two points ahead of Cardiff on 39 and, like the Bluebirds, have perhaps been punching below their weight this season.
But it will be a tough ask for Michael O'Neill's men to get anything away to the league leaders.
Even if they manage a draw, Cardiff could eclipse them on goal difference by defeating Coventry.
Watford v Bristol City
Bristol City are one place and two points clear of Cardiff, but they too have a tough ask away from home.
Watford expected to be in the top two this season so, down in fifth, they know they have to make up ground and win this one.
Bristol City have also lost three on the trot, including to McCarthy's Bluebirds.
They're not in great form.
Cardiff City v Coventry
Of course, even if the above results each went in their favour, Cardiff would still need to do their own bit by defeating Coventry.
Nothing can be taken for granted in the Championship, Mick McCarthy knows that better than most given his impressive track record at this level.
Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy has brought a smile back to the faces of Bluebirds fans (Image: PA Wire)
But he'll be ramming home to his players that after their stoic efforts in the snow at Rotherham, where they displayed real character and guts to grind out a win, they have to follow that up with home victory over a Coventry side who have won just one in five.
Even if the other results don't go completely their way this weekend, Cardiff can still do themselves a power of good by taking another three points and climbing a little further up the table.
Confidence boosted, belief in their ability again, they could then eye two more winnable matches that are looming against Luton and Preston and continue the ascent.
The play-offs still seem an outside prospect. But if Cardiff can get them in their sights, with momentum, their set-piece expertise and real forward power, they could yet prove very difficult to stop as the business end of the season approaches.
Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson, Seyi Ojo, Josh Murphy, a fit again Lee Tomlin and newcomer Jonny Williams is not a bad little group from which to perm your creativity.
Mick McCarthy is finally getting this talented squad of players towards where they should be - much higher up the table.
And Cardiff fans are starting to get a smile back on their faces again.
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Wed Feb 10, 2021 5:24 pm
Don't worry about the other results dude...we are on an undefeated run that is going to last till season's end.
Have faith young Jedi
Have faith young Jedi
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:43 pm
One result down we are on the way..
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Sat Feb 13, 2021 10:22 am
Big Hill Blue wrote:Don't worry about the other results dude...we are on an undefeated run that is going to last till season's end.
Have faith young Jedi
All 2-0 wins hey?
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Sat Feb 13, 2021 3:37 pm
Well its happening upto 7th!
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:45 pm
Bakedalasker wrote:Big Hill Blue wrote:Don't worry about the other results dude...we are on an undefeated run that is going to last till season's end.
Have faith young Jedi
All 2-0 wins hey?
Of course
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:32 pm
hope someone had a bet on this...
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:51 pm
skidemin wrote:hope someone had a bet on this...
I normally have a flutter, but as no work this week,watched the game,thus the tenner I normally use when unable to watch games,was spiken for! Wouldnt have had yhat sequence though,so no hsrm done!!
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Sat Feb 13, 2021 11:19 pm
Loads of points still to play for
Re: The sequence of results that could see Cardiff City soar
Tue Feb 16, 2021 6:58 am
I had 1-0 city win Moore to score betfred £5 to return £130
Watched whole game screaming at tv and celebrating when we got second surely that’s a true City fan
Watched whole game screaming at tv and celebrating when we got second surely that’s a true City fan