Cardiff are set to host their second Premier League (PL) home fixture in succession and face a Brighton side who have only won one away game this season (D1, L4). The hosts are struggling, and after last week’s loss to Leicester (1-0) they have managed just one win all season (W1, D2, L8).
Despite being pre-season relegation contenders, Neil Warnock would not have expected his Cardiff side to have started so badly in the PL. Their poor form includes conceding 24 goals in 11 matches – the second worst in the league. Their goal scoring prowess has not been up to standard either, with just nine goals scored.
If Cardiff have any chance of gaining home points and a way out of the bottom three, it will be against Brighton as the visitors have a dismal away record – winning just three of their last 25 away league games! This season, when Brighton have earnt points away from home (four), they have however come against teams in the bottom half.
The last five previous H2Hs at the Cardiff City Stadium were fought in the Championship and span back to 2011. Brighton have been on the end of the heaviest defeat (4-1), but have the better record (W2, D2, L1).
Players to watch: Cardiff have been relying on defender Callum Paterson for goals, and he’s only scored two. While Brighton’s Glenn Murray is rolling back the years with a tally of six goals – making him joint-seventh top scorer in the PL.
Stat attack: Brighton manager Chris Hughton has never been beaten by Neil Warnock (W4, D1).
Brighton’s away record is made worse by losing five of their last eight away by more than two goals.
This season, Cardiff have conceded an average of 2.29 goals at home, whilst Brighton have conceded an average of 1.42 goals away.
Will not play
Arter H.
(Yellow Cards)
Mendez-Laing N.
(Knee Injury)
Richards J.
(Thigh Injury)
Zohore K.
(Calf Injury)
Questionable
Button D.
(Knee Injury)
Gross P.
(Ankle Injury)
Jahanbakhsh A.
(Thigh Injury)
Propper D.
(Ankle Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Atkinson M. (Eng),
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff)