Cardiff City v Birmingham City: Oppose goals in Welsh capital

Cardiff v Birmingham
Saturday, 12:30
Live on Sky Sports

Different Shades of Blue

After a win against Norwich on opening day, Cardiff City fans were full of optimism. But defeats at relegation favourites Reading and League One Portsmouth in the cup have cancelled out that early sense of enthusiasm.

Early signs are that John Eustace is having a big impact on a Birmingham City side that were tipped to struggle. A comfortable victory in their first home game of the season followed a creditable draw at Luton, and Blues fans like what they've seen so far.

Low-margins on the lunchtime menu

Looking at the teams' league fixtures so far, it's difficult to envisage an open, shot-happy affair in the Welsh capital. It was tough to find an obvious source of goals among the squad pre-season, and Steve Morison hasn't yet found the answer.

Across two league games, Cardiff City have registered the lowest xG number in the Championship.

After a 0-0 draw at Luton, Birmingham deservedly beat Huddersfield Town 2-1 last Friday. However, Huddersfield's first three fixtures of the season (all defeats) suggest that it's their disorganisation, rather than the quality of their opponent, that was the main factor in that result.

Defensively, Cardiff have looked solid enough. Birmingham have looked well drilled and organised, happy to sit deep and soak up pressure. Scott Hogan has spoken of being rejuvenated under the new manager, and looks the best value of anyone to get a goal.

But these are two teams who would prefer to stay in their shape than throw bodies forward and potentially expose themselves.

Expect a tight first half, with both teams focusing on keeping it tight. Back 0-0 in the 'First Half Correct Score' market @ 2.77/4.

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