Cardiff City vs Sunderland Prediction: Cardiff City are expected to edge out Sunderland with a predicted score of 2-1, leveraging their home advantage and the boost from Aaron Ramsey’s return to potentially secure a narrow victory in this Championship opener.
The EFL Championship kicks off its new season with an intriguing matchup between Cardiff City and Sunderland at the Cardiff City Stadium. Both sides will be eager to start their campaigns on a positive note as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.
Table of Contents
Match Preview
Cardiff City will be aiming to build on last season’s 12th-place finish under new manager Erol Bulut. The Turkish coach has signed a two-year contract and will be eager to push the Bluebirds towards the playoff places. The return of Welsh icon Aaron Ramsey adds experience and quality to their midfield.
Sunderland endured a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, finishing 16th after reaching the playoffs the previous year. New manager Regis Le Bris arrives from Lorient and will be tasked with getting the Black Cats back on track. The retention of star winger Jack Clarke amid transfer speculation is a major boost.
Both sides have had mixed results in pre-season friendlies. Cardiff recorded wins over Bristol Rovers and Reading, while Sunderland held Marseille to a draw in their final warm-up match.
Team News and Projected Cardiff City vs Sunderland Lineups
Possible Cardiff City Lineup: Ramsey, O’Dowda, Goutas, Siopis, Tanner, Meite, Willock, Horvath, Chambers, Ralls, Ng
Possible Sunderland Lineup: Clarke, Hume, Neil, Alese, Mayenda, Cirkin, Browne, Roberts, O’Nien, Bellingham, Patterson
Injured Players and Unavailable List
Cardiff City Injuries
No major injury concerns reported
Sunderland:
Jenson Seelt: The center-back is sidelined with a serious injury picked up in early March
Key Players to Watch
Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City): The Welsh midfielder’s return to his boyhood club is a major coup for Cardiff. If he can stay fit, Ramsey’s vision and goal-scoring ability from midfield could be crucial.
Jack Clarke (Sunderland): The former Tottenham winger was Sunderland’s standout performer last season. His pace and trickery on the left flank will be vital to their attacking threat.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent meetings between these sides have been closely contested affairs:
- Mar 2024: Cardiff 0-0 Sunderland
- Sep 2023: Sunderland 1-1 Cardiff
- Apr 2023: Cardiff 1-1 Sunderland
- Nov 2022: Sunderland 1-1 Cardiff
Where to Watch?
Cardiff City vs Sunderland Live Streaming and TV Schedule:
- USA: Paramount+
- UK: Sky Sports+
- Ireland: Sky Sports+
Who Will Win?
Both teams will be eager to start the season with a win, but may also be wary of losing their opening fixture. Cardiff’s home advantage and the boost from Aaron Ramsey’s return could give them a slight edge. However, Sunderland’s attacking talent means they’re always a threat.
Cardiff City vs Sunderland Prediction: Cardiff City 2-1 Sunderland
The match promises to be an entertaining affair as both sides look to lay down a marker for the season ahead. With new managers at the helm and fresh faces in the squads, it could come down to which team adapts quicker to their new setup.
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FAQs
How Many Goals Have Cardiff City Scored This Season?
As of August 2024, Cardiff City has scored 8 goals in the 2024/25 season.
Who Is Cardiff City’s Goalkeeper?
Ethan Horvath is the current first-choice goalkeeper for Cardiff City in the 2024/25 season.
Is Cardiff In The Premier League?
No, Cardiff City is competing in the EFL Championship for the 2024/25 season.
