EFL Championship strugglers Derby County host fellow slow starters Cardiff City on Friday night at Pride Park. New Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has failed to get the best out of his side as the Rams are winless in their last five matches.
Not to be outdone, Cardiff City have won just twice in six tries this season. The good news for Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds is they are undefeated in their last three matches in the EFL Championship.
Cardiff City defeated Huddersfield Town 2-1 before back to back draws against Blackburn Rovers and Fulham. The Bluebirds are still fighting the hangover of their Premier League relegation. There are signs that Cardiff City are overcoming their slow start but still have a way to go.
Daniel Ward could miss out on Friday night’s trip to Pride Park for Cardiff City due to an Achilles injury. He is in training and getting back to fitness.
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who has been out of action since the first match of the season, is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Etheridge has missed six matches in total and isn’t expected to be back until mid-October.
Derby County defender Craig Forsyth has joined the list of injured players at Pride Park. It isn’t just a few injuries causing issues at Derby County. Fans have been told to be patient with Cocu, but with the club winless in five straight league games, supporters are frustrated.
The two EFL Championship clubs haven’t played since 2017-18 in Cardiff City’s promotion season. Four of the last 10 matches between Derby County and Cardiff City in the EFL Championship ended in draws.
Both Derby County and Cardiff City have had difficulty getting wins this season. They have combined to obtain five draws and that result looks likely for Friday night at Pride Park.
Cardiff City have not won in three away matches this term. They have collected just one point from nine possible on their travels. The Bluebirds have conceded six times on their travels. It is the joint-third most goals allowed on the road in the league.
Derby County have not won at home this term collecting two points from nine possible. The Rams have scored twice and conceded three times at home.
Due to both teams struggling currently, Friday night’s fixture should end in a stalemate with both sides scoring. Expect under 2.5 goals as Derby County and Cardiff City fail to convert shots into goals in the final third.
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