Swansea look to make history and push for the automatic places with a win against their South Welsh rivals Cardiff this Saturday evening.
In the 109 year history of the South Wales derby, no side has ever won the league double.
A 2-0 win in the reverse fixture for Swansea, means a win at home to Cardiff would complete the first ever league double.
History
The South Wales derby used to be a ‘friendly rivalry’ up until the 1960s, but since have sparked into the fiercest rivalry in British football.
It became the first fixture in British football to ban away fans, following one of the most violent football games ever in 1993. Violence meant the match was delayed for 40 minutes. After finally getting underway, Swansea fans were reported to be ripping up seats, triggering Cardiff fans to run onto the pitch leading into a massive brawl between the opposing fans.
The ban was lifted in 1997, yet since then, away fans are escorted in and out of the stadium by police.
Cardiff edge the overall head to head record with 44 wins to Swansea’s 37, with there being 28 draws.
Yet the Swans are unbeaten in the last 4 matches between the two. Also, they hold bragging rights since becoming the first Welsh team to reach the Premier League in 2011.
Current Form
Swansea come into this game following a 3-0 defeat away to Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Steve Cooper will look for a response from his players who currently are 3rd in the Championship, three points behind Watford with a game in hand.
The away team are fighting for a late push into the playoff positions currently sitting 9th, six points of Reading in 6th.
Following an impressive start under Mick McCarthy, they are winless in their last 3 games.
Prediction
Swansea have won ten of their last fifteen home games and have kept more home clean sheets, 11, than any other Championship team. Cardiff are unbeaten in their last seven league games.
It is set up to be another South Wales derby cracker despite the absence of fans. I think it will be a repeat of the score-line earlier in the season, 2-0 to Swansea.
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