Swansea v Cardiff predictions: Slick Swans can secure the derby spoils

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Swansea City v Cardiff City in the Championship on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, midday Sunday

Best bet

Swansea
2pts 23-20 general

Team news

Swansea
Joel Piroe is suspended and there are doubts over Ryan Manning, who has missed the last two games through injury.

Cardiff
Jack Simpson is free to continue after his midweek red card at QPR was rescinded. Mahlon Romeu is a doubt while Isaak Davies and Ebou Adams are unavailable.

Match preview

It has been a crazy few weeks in the Championship as many fancied teams are struggling for consistency but Swansea are making excellent strides and can register a sixth win in seven when hosting Cardiff in the south Wales derby.

The second-tier promotion battle looks wide open and Swansea have been as convincing as anyone since the September break.

Russell Martin's side have racked up 12 points in October, including Tuesday's well-deserved 3-2 success at home to Reading when they recovered from a two-goal deficit.

Swansea play with a clear identity and there have been times when their possession-based style has left them exposed to counter-attacks.

However, the Swans' approach can help them finish games strongly and it is noticeable that three of their last four victories have been achieved from losing positions.

They would much prefer to score the first goal and they could make a fast start against Cardiff, who are carrying a few tired legs.

Cardiff had a tough time in Wednesday's 3-0 loss at QPR with the game effectively decided by an 18th-minute penalty decision which resulted in them conceding the opening goal and losing defender Jack Simpson to a harsh red card.

Simpson's punishment was rescinded on appeal, leaving him free to face the Swans, but his team-mates expended a lot of energy and may not have fully recovered.

Any team facing Swansea know they are in for a thorough examination and if Cardiff are just the slightest bit jaded they could be in for a tough afternoon.

Key stat

Swansea have won five of their last six matches.

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