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Cardiff City will entertain Sunderland at the Cardiff City Stadium in their 2024-25 EFL Championship campaign opener on Saturday. Both teams had a mid-table finish last season, with the hosts finishing 12th in the table, with six more points than the visitors, who finished in 16th place.
The hosts suffered a defeat in the first match of the pre-season but went unbeaten in the next seven games. They met Bristol Rovers in their final friendly earlier this month and goals from Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ralls helped them record a 2-0 win.
The visitors had a decent run in the pre-season with three wins in seven games. They played Marseille in their final friendly, which ended in a 2-2 draw, with Adil Aouchiche and Dennis Cirkin finding the back of the net.
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Cardiff City vs Sunderland Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off 69 times in all competitions. They have contested these meetings closely, with the hosts having a 29-23 lead in wins and 17 games ending in draws.
- The last four meetings between the two teams have produced conclusive results, with both teams recording away wins while keeping clean sheets.
- The hosts have seen conclusive results in their last 13 league games, with seven wins and six losses.
- The visitors had just one win in their last six games in the Championship, failing to score in five.
- Cardiff City have just one win in their last six home meetings against Sunderland, failing to score in four games.
- The visitors have kept clean sheets in three of their last five meetings against the hosts.
- The visitors had just two wins in their last 15 Championship games last season, with both coming in away games.
Cardiff City vs Sunderland Prediction
The Bluebirds concluded the pre-season on a seven-game unbeaten streak and will look to build on that form. They have suffered defeats in their last two home meetings against the visitors without scoring and will look to improve upon that record.
Head coach Erol Bulut will be without the services of Isaak Davies, Jamilu Collins, and Kion Etete in this match on account of injuries. Callum Robinson, David Turnbull, and Mark McGuinness were absent in the friendly against Bristol Rovers but should return to the bench here.
The Black Cats concluded their 2023-24 campaign on a three-game losing streak, without scoring a goal, and will look to bounce back in this match. They have suffered just one loss in their last six away meetings against Cardiff and are strong favorites. Regis Le Bris will be without Leo Hjelde, Ian Poveda, and Dan Ballard in his competitive debut for the club.
Both teams had a decent record in the pre-season and considering their recent record in this fixture, a draw is likely to ensue.
Prediction: Cardiff City 1-1 Sunderland
Cardiff City vs Sunderland Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Aaron Ramsey to score or assist any time - Yes
