Following their impressive win against Leeds United in their first game back, Cardiff return to action against Preston with both of the teams looking for the play-off spots, with both of the teams level after both of their returning matches.
When and where?
The match will be held at Preston’s Deepdale, on June 27 with the kick-off at 12:30pm
Previous meetings
Preston’s record in recent years against Cardiff is impressive, being unbeaten against the Bluebirds since 2017.
Earlier in the season, the teams played out a goalless draw at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Team news
Cardiff have no major injury concerns or suspensions, giving Neil Harris a full squad to choose from.
For Preston, Louis Moult remains the only injury concern as his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury which he sustained earlier in the season.
Last five matches
Cardiff
(W) 2-0 vs Leeds United
(W) 0-2 vs Barnsley
(D) 2-2 vs Brentford
(L) 0-1 vs Nottingham Forest
(L) 2-0 vs Stoke City
Beating Leeds was certainly an upset, and has caused many to question Leeds, but it also pushed Cardiff closer to the play-off places, drawing them level with weekend opponents Preston.
Preston
(D) 1-1 vs Luton Town
(L) 1-3 vs QPR
(L) 2-0 vs Fulham
(L) 2-0 vs West Brom
(W) 2-1 vs Hull
A draw against bottom side Luton was an uninspiring return from lockdown for Alex Neil’s Lilywhites, but with the meaning of this match in terms of play-off places, they may want to improve on their latest performance.
Beating Leeds will have given Cardiff a huge boost in confidence, and to continue their push into the play-off places, they will need to get past a Preston side whose ‘recent’ form isn’t anything special. The lack of a clinical striker won’t help Preston’s case, so I can see this one going in favour of the Bluebirds.
Match Preview written by Tom Cresswell.