19/04/2025 07:20
Cardiff City and Oxford United meet in a big clash at the bottom of the Championship table on Easter Monday.
Cardiff City come into a crucial clash with Oxford United staring down the barrel at relegation to League One.
Derby County’s defeat to Luton Town saw the Bluebirds drop to 23rd as they were unable to pull off a surprise win at Sheffield United. The Blades ran out 2-0 winners in the evening kick-off on Good Friday.
Omer Riza’s side are still only one point from safety but with just one win in the last nine Championship games now, hope is dwindling among their loyal supporters.
As for Oxford United, they make the trip to Cardiff City off the back of a narrow 1-0 home loss to Leeds United on Friday night.
The U’s were hoping to pull off another surprise win over promotion contenders having recently beat the earlier mentioned Sheffield United. However, Manor Solomon’s first-half goal proved decisive.
Gary Rowett and co are five points above the bottom three and with a win here, they could mathematically confirm their survival.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“It’s panic stations for Cardiff City now. They’re in dismal form, spirits are low and I just don’t see where the inspiration to pull off survival is going to come from.
“They desperately need to get some fighting spirit back, something Oxford United have not lacked. Gary Rowett has done a good job in keeping his side floating a safe enough distance above the bottom three, though they will know defeat would leave them in a nervous spot here.
“I just think Cardiff are staring down the barrel at League One football though, and I can’t see where that inspirational moment will come from, both in regards of players and management.
“I’m going for a narrow Oxford win.”
Prediction: Cardiff City 0-1 Oxford United
Charlie Hodgson
“Looking at their final three games, this is a must win for Cardiff City. The Bluebirds are lucky to still be in with a chance of survival given their recent form.
“Oxford United looked decent against Leeds but ultimately fell short. It’s been a good year for them and they could confirm their survival with a win.
“With that said I think that the away side will take three points. I don’t think it will be a thriller but Oxford looked decent against stronger opponents and feel far more likely to get the win.”
Prediction: Cardiff City 0-1 Oxford United
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