Former Cardiff City and Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has backed his former side to earn an historic double when they face Swansea in the South Wales Derby.

After winning 2-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium in September, with goals from Ollie Tanner and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, the Bluebirds are on track for a first ever league double over the Swans.

The two sides come into the game at the Swansea.com stadium in contrasting form, Cardiff in tenth having won their last four, while Swansea are five places and 10 points worse off having failed to win their last two.

Earnshaw played for Cardiff in two spells, between 1998-2004 and then again between 2011-13, scoring 109 goals for the club and perhaps unsurprisingly backs his former side to get the win at midday on Saturday.

“Cardiff are starting to show that consistency, doing very well,” said Earnshaw.

“You’ve got to grind out the results and that’s what they’re doing, right now, I’d probably say Cardiff are going in as favourites.

“Swansea have done okay recently but Cardiff are in really good form, the key is the momentum and what is building for Cardiff.

“After a huge win against Ipswich and how they finished it, that never say die attitude, that character shone through for Cardiff, and it was a brilliant win.”

Things haven’t quite clicked for Swansea since former Notts County manager Luke Williams took the head coach’s position in January following the sacking of Michael Duff.

The Swans are still looking over their shoulder, with only five points separating them from the relegation zone.

“Swansea have had their ups and downs and a couple of different managers,” said Earnshaw.

“Russell Martin leaving at the end of last year I think that was a bit of a shock for the club because it impacts their playing style.

“When you have different managers, they have different playing styles, there may be similarities but it’s different instructions, but slowly with Luke Williams he’s starting to understand his players, what is his best team and who gels together.

“It’s been a very difficult season for them and no way they would have expected to be in the position they’re in, it’s so difficult and competitive down there.”

While Swansea are looking at the teams below them, Cardiff are doing the exact opposite, now only five points off the playoff positions following their recent upturn in form.

“Cardiff are overachieving by being that close to the playoffs,” said Earnshaw.

“There are some quality teams, it’s very competitive, more than I’ve seen in a long time for the championship.

“In about three or four games Cardiff can start looking at the playoff positions, but they’re only two or three wins away from it and they’re capable of it.

“They both have different agendas, Swansea are looking to get away from relegation while Cardiff are thinking ‘we’re only five points off playoffs’ which starts to pull you in that direction.”

Earnshaw issued a stark warning to his Bluebirds asking for cool heads in the cacophony of a South Wales derby.

Poignant advice considering forward Callum Robinson was red carded after just seven minutes in their last visit to Swansea, a game Cardiff would go on to lose 2-0.

“You’ve also got to keep that emotion in check even though it’s a huge game,” said Earnshaw.

“You’ve got to play the game and not get overemotional and keep that calmness and composure.

“They’re also a good team with good players, Ronald who they brought in in January has been bright.

“Also people like Joe Allen, the quality he has, you’re starting to see a little bit more quality wise from Swansea.”

Only time will tell on which side, if either, come out on top on Saturday.