South Wales Derby PREVIEW: Cardiff The Form Team?


This Saturday, Cardiff and Swansea meet again for the 119th South Wales Derby, with plenty more than just bragging rights on the table.

For Cardiff, still battling against relegation, every point matters as they look to finally put some breathing space between themselves and the sides in the relegation zone.

The visitors on Saturday have had a torrid 2025 so far, losing 4-0 to struggling Portsmouth, drawing 1-1 at home to West Brom, and then dumped out of the cup by Southampton.

Swansea, though, will be buoyed by their good recent derby form, winning seven of the last ten matches between to the two great rivals.

Recent Form

Cardiff City enter the derby on the back of a 1-1 draw against Watford, extending their unbeaten run to five matches. However, they have struggled at home, failing to secure a win in their last six Championship games at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Swansea, currently 12th in the Championship, aim to bounce back after a 3-0 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup. The Swans have lost their last three away games and will be eager to reverse this trend in the derby.

Historically, Cardiff City leads the derby with 46 wins to Swansea’s 43 in all competitions. The last meeting in August 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw at the Swansea.com Stadium.

As always, the South Wales derby promises a fiercely contested match, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights and crucial points in their Championship campaigns.

16.03.24 - Swansea City v Cardiff City - Sky Bet Championship - Liam Cullen of Swansea City misses a penalty.
16.03.24 – Swansea City v Cardiff City – Sky Bet Championship – Liam Cullen of Swansea City misses a penalty.

Swansea to be ‘ferocious’

Luke Williams says he expects Swansea City to be “ferocious” at Cardiff City as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record in the south Wales derby.

“It might sound corny, but it’s the thought in your mind of what the fans will be able to do,” Williams said.

“It’s the thought that they can go out feeling so happy and they can properly enjoy it. We have a game on the Tuesday [against Sheffield United] and I fly to Europe on Sunday to watch a player, then come back to prepare for the next game.

“But for the fans, I want them to have three days [to celebrate a win]. I love that thought of them being so happy, coming back to Swansea and then being out in Swansea, reliving the game and singing the songs. That’s the best.”

25.08.24 - Swansea City v Cardiff City, South Wales Derby - SkyBet Championship - Swansea City Manager Luke Williams celebrates the first goal.
25.08.24 – Swansea City v Cardiff City, South Wales Derby – SkyBet Championship – Swansea City Manager Luke Williams celebrates the first goal.

Cardiff to welcome back key trio

Cardiff City could be boosted by the return of as many as three senior players for Saturday’s derby against Swansea City.

Top scorer Callum Robinson is back from suspension and midfielder Manolis Siopis has recovered from illness.

Both are expected to be in the Bluebirds’ squad on the weekend, and there is a chance winger Anwar El Ghazi could feature after his return from a hip injury was delayed by illness.

“His illness knocked him, a bit of weight loss,” said Cardiff manager Omer Riza.

“He’s training, back in with the group. It [Swansea game] might be a bit too early for him but he’s trained today [Thursday]. Sio was unwell so we couldn’t have him in the squad. He’s trained today so he’ll be up for selection.”


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