Cardiff have dragged themselves away from the bottom three of the second tier over the past three matches, collecting six points in that trio of fixtures – a record you would associate more with a promotion push than a relegation dogfight.
New manager Sabri Lamouchi achieved his first maximum as the Bluebirds boss in a scrappy affair at St Andrew’s against Birmingham City, and three days later followed that up with a 1-0 home success over Paul Ince’s Reading.
A trip to Carrow Road to face promotion-chasing Norwich City proved a step too far last weekend however, after strikes from Gabriel Sara and Marquinhos downed the Welsh outfit, although supporters will not be disheartened after improved performances under ex-Nottingham Forest man Lamouchi.
The Bluebirds are currently 21st in the Championship table, which at first glance appears to be a very precarious position, however recent wins have allowed the Welsh side to build a four-point advantage over the relegation zone, with Huddersfield Town, Blackpool and Wigan Athletic all on 31 points.
Cardiff will be hoping to change their fortunes in the Severnside derby this weekend – Bristol City have been victorious in the last three encounters, while the last time The Bluebirds beat their rivals on home soil was in 2018.
Bristol City travel over the border this weekend after a valiant – yet ultimately unsuccessful – effort in the FA Cup round of 16 at home to Premier League holders Manchester City on Tuesday night.
The Robins had some commendable performances in the game, including that of youngster Alex Scott, however the might of the Citizens proved too strong, with a brace from Phil Foden and a long-range strike from Kevin De Bruyne securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.
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Nigel Pearson’s men now recalibrate their focus to league matters, in which City are enjoying their best run of form in the Championship so far this season, with manager-player falling-outs that hindered progress earlier in the campaign feeling a long time ago.
Nahki Wells netted a 70th-minute penalty at Ashton Gate against Hull City last weekend to extend Bristol City’s unbeaten run in the second tier to an impressive nine matches, with Pearson’s men looking upwards now rather than worryingly over their shoulder.
Sitting in 13th place and 10 points behind Luton Town in sixth, Bristol City have a mammoth task ahead of them if they are to challenge for a playoff berth, however considering their recent form, there is no reason why Robins supporters should not dream of an exciting finish to the season
