To win, or not to lose? The 71st South Wales derby is intensified by the promotion race

Winning on Saturday could be the holy grail for Cardiff City in their playoff hunt. Their hosts and fierce rivals, Swansea City, would love nothing more to deny them such pleasures.

The Swans schadenfreude will not only be at their Welsh rivals despair, but ultimately in their quest for promotion.

Steve Cooper’s side have been sublime this campaign, playing an attractive brand with exciting young players. They sit third behind runaway leaders Norwich City, and the reignited Watford under Xisco Munoz.

Despite losing last time out to Jonathan Woodgate’s Bournemouth, they’re within three points of the Hornets with a game in hand. This could be anything from zero to six come 7:30 tomorrow evening.

This emphasises the magnitude of the game – whoever the opponent – from the outset. The fact it’s their most eminent rivals adds an extra layer of importance to a vital three points.

Especially as, despite their blip at home to Watford last week, Cardiff are a rejuvenated outfit under Mick McCarthy.

There was visible scrutiny in the Welsh capital when they replaced Neil Harris with the wily Irishman, but it has been proven a masterstroke early on in his tenure.

He’s won seven of his 13 matches, losing just the one – thanks to a last minute Adam Masina free-kick in the aforementioned Watford defeat.

This has seen Cardiff’s season go from what looked like mid-table mediocrity under Harris to potential promotion this year – and the improvement has been clear to see within performances, desire and results for the Bluebirds.

Match Facts

Swansea are unbeaten in their last four league matches against Cardiff, having only gone on a better run (seven) between 1997-2009.

Cardiff are on their best away run (seven unbeaten, W4 D3) since their first promotion season into the Premier League in 2012/13.

Swansea have kept more clean sheets at home this season (11) than any other Championship side, winning ten of their 15 matches.

Mick McCarthy is looking to become the first Cardiff manager to win his first away South Wales derby since Russell Osman (1996/97)

There has never been a league double completed between the two sides. Swansea have the chance to do so tomorrow.

Team News

Swansea are going to be without Paul Arriola on top of their long-term injury list, according to Steve Cooper – but Chelsea loanee Marc Guehi has trained.

Young goalkeeper Steven Benda is also back in training, but won’t feature in the squad this weekend.

Cardiff are still without Lee Tomlin and Jordan Osei-Tutu due to injury, but could see the return of Harry Wilson to the starting line-up after he was dropped for their goalless draw with Stoke.

The Managers

“Some teams probably do set out not to lose. Both of us are in a position where it is important to win. We haven’t set out not to lose, we have changed it in a game.

“But this is not a game for that. If we win, we are back on the coattails of the play-offs and that’s the place to be.

“It’s an important game for both of us.”

Mick McCarthy – Wales Online

“We want to win the game and I’m sure they’ll say the same. That’s all we’re focused on. Whenever you play the game, I just think that doesn’t really come into it.

“You’ve got to concentrate on what the game needs, but the driver has got to be the importance of the game. Thinking about a draw, it’s not something I’ve thought about.”

Steve Cooper – Wales Online

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