Preview: Cardiff City vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham make the trip to Cardiff City looking to strengthen their commanding position at the top of the Championship standings.

The Cottagers head into Saturday's game sitting nine points clear of second spot, while the Bluebirds remain in 19th position after failing to win either of their last two encounters.

Match preview

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With an 11-point advantage over third position, Fulham are in an extremely strong position with regards to securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Marco Silva will not be overly pleased with his team's recent performances with the Cottagers only defeating struggling Peterborough United by a 2-1 scoreline in midweek.

At this stage of the campaign, results are all that matter, but Fulham have been below par for three matches now, a natural concern for Silva ahead of four away fixtures in five games.

That said, Fulham have not lost on the road since a 4-1 defeat to Coventry City on October 2, a run spanning eight league matches.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's double against Posh on Wednesday night made it 33 goals in the second tier, setting a new Championship high with 14 matches remaining.

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Cardiff head into this fixture having failed to win in two games, a 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool being followed by a harsh 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town.

Nevertheless, despite the disappointment of conceding two late goals at the John Smith's Stadium, supporters will be delighted with the impact of interim boss Steve Morison.

Four wins from seven matches have moved the Bluebirds 15 points clear of the relegation zone, removing any concerns that the Welsh giants may lose their second-tier status.

Morison has previously criticised Cardiff's efforts in the final third, but Tommy Doyle's goal in midweek represented the eighth successive game that they have got on the scoresheet.

Team News

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Despite the spirited performance at Huddersfield, Morison could show preference to freshening up his Cardiff side for this contest.

Joe Ralls may return in midfield with Ryan Wintle potentially dropping out of the team, while Uche Ikpeazu will hope to finally make his first start since his loan move from Middlesbrough.

Having made changes in midweek, Silva will likely opt to recall Harry Wilson for the game against his former club.

Bobby Decordova-Reid may potentially move into the middle, handing a rest to Fabio Carvalho, while Nathaniel Chalobah is an alternative to Harrison Reed or Jean Michael Seri.

Despite their substitute appearances against Posh, Josh Onomah and Ivan Cavaleiro could remain among the replacements.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Drameh, Ng, Flint, McGuinness, Bagan; Doyle, Ralls, Vaulks; Ikpeazu, Hugill

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Williams, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Seri; Wilson, Reid, Kebano; Mitrovic

We say: Cardiff City 1-2 Fulham

Having pushed Huddersfield all of the way in midweek, Morison and his squad will fancy their chances of testing Fulham on home territory. However, despite their drop in form, the visitors still possess the superior firepower and we expect Silva's side to battle their way to a narrow victory.

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