WELSH bragging rights will be up for grabs when Swansea City and Cardiff City collide for the first time in the EFL Championship this season in what promises to be a fiery derby.
This fixture always has an edge and both teams will be desperate to lay down a marker for the campaign ahead by emerging with three points.
Cardiff arguably need a result more than the Swans, given they have yet to pick up a point in the Championship and were battered 5-0 by Burnley last time out.
New boss Erol Bulunt is clearly having teething troubles and even their 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Bristol Rovers was unconvincing, with the clincher coming right at the death.
Swansea City have made a better start, bouncing back from a narrow loss at Middlesbrough on day one with wins over Gillingham and Preston in the cup and league.
They've scored three times in each of their last two games so will be looking to pile on the pain for Cardiff City in the derby.
How the bookies view it: Swans in the groove
With Cardiff City in such poor form it's no surprise to see Swansea City as Betfred's 9/10 favourites. The Bluebirds are 13/5 for a win on enemy turf while the draw pays 23/10.
Recent head to head: Cardiff out to end the curse
Swansea City have dominated this derby in the last three seasons, winning five of the last six meetings. That included a 2-0 triumph at home last term and Cardiff's last away win in this fixture came back in March 2021.
Players to watch: Azeem seizing his chance
Youngster Azeem Abdulai has made an impact for Swansea City this term, netting two times in three appearances. The young Scot is 4/1 for anytime scorer and that looks overpriced if he's handed a start.
Aaron Ramsey's experience will be key for Cardiff City in the heat of the derby. The former Arsenal playmaker is now 33 but can still make an impact and 5/1 for anytime scorer.
Probable teams
Swansea remain without Josh Ginnelly, Joe Allen and Andy Fisher but should be along similar lines to the team that crushed Preston. Bulunt will be tempted to make a few changes after that heavy loss at Burnley. He's still without Ryotaro Tsunoda, Kion Etete, Jamilu Collins and Isaak Davies.
Swansea City: Vigouroux, Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon, Grimes, Abdulai, Goncalo Franco, Cooper, Ronald, Cullen.
Cardiff City: Horvath, Goutas, Bagan, Fagan-Walcott, Ng, Siopis, Colwill, Ramsey, Willock, Meite, Kanga.
Anything else catch the eye?
Derbies can often throw up surprises but Swansea should win this one as they're in better form and have home advantage. Their price isn't great but if you combine a Swans win with under 4.5 goals it boosts the odds to 5/4 in a bet builder at Betfred.
Cards and corners are always worth a punt in a fixture like this. Over 42.5 booking points looks good at 11/10 while Swansea full-back Josh Tymon looks overpriced at 18/5 to go into the book.
Over 10.5 corners also appeals at 6/5 with Bet365 and the same firm price over five first-half flag kicks at 8/5.
This England Championship match between Swansea City and Cardiff City will be played on Aug 25, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Swansea City vs Cardiff City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
