Verdict: Cardiff City win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what looks set to be a fiery derby showdown on Tuesday night, Cardiff will host Newport when both camps turn their attention back to EFL Trophy duties.

Cardiff City

Starting with the hosts, losing their Championship status last season, it is no secret that Cardiff have their sights firmly set on securing an immediate second-tier return this time around. Although Brian Barry-Murphy might have seen his promotion contenders sign off September with a shock 1-0 loss at home against Burton, the Bluebirds came roaring back in a remarkable fashion over the weekend. Eventually clinching a pulsating 4-3 victory against Leyton Orient, the former Rochdale boss has seen his squad win three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Collecting a famous Premier League scalp last month as they extended on their EFL Cup adventure thanks to a 2-1 win away at Burnley, Cardiff will be confident of making another statement on Tuesday night. It should also be noted, bagging 19 League One strikes so far this season, the Bluebirds hold the second-best attacking return among England’s third-tier.

Cardiff City Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition since back on August 19th, Cardiff will once again be without Ollie Tanner here. Likewise, still sidelined with a long-term knee injury, academy graduate Eli King will play no part on Tuesday night.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Leyton Orient over the weekend, former Celtic midfielder David Turnbull should be handed a full recall. Finding the net on Saturday afternoon and notching a fourth League One strike of the season, Danish striker Yousef Salech will likely lead the line here.

Newport County

As for the visitors, while Newport might have dragged themselves over the finishing line last season as they clung to their League Two status, David Hughes’ men are rightfully installed as a leading relegation favourite this time around. Currently sat rock-bottom of the table and putting just five points on the board from any of their first 11 League Two appearances, the Exiles are in the midst of what has become a public nightmare. Signing off September with a routine 4-1 drumming away at Chesterfield, Newport have lost all of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-3. Getting their EFL Trophy adventure underway with a 2-1 defeat at home against Arsenal’s U21s a fortnight ago, Hughes’ struggling squad will be bracing themselves for another heavyweight challenge when they travel to their bitter local rivals on Tuesday night.

Newport County Team News

Not featuring since August 16th and still dealing with a hamstring issue, Newport will once again be without summer recruit and former Salford defender Liam Shepard on Tuesday night. Yet to play any part over the past month, fellow summer arrival Gerard Garner is not expected to travel to the Welsh capital.

Completing a season-long loan switch from Cardiff ahead of the new campaign, Michael Reindorf is ineligible to feature against his parent club. One-time Nottingham Forest youngster Jordan Wright could return between the sticks here.

Cardiff City vs Newport County Key Factors to Consider

• Including their shock EFL Cup victory away at Burnley on September 23rd, Cardiff have won three of their previous four appearances across all fronts.
• Seven of Cardiff’s first eight home fixtures this season have finished with over 2.5 goals.
• Bagging 19 League One strikes so far this season, the Bluebirds hold the second-best attacking return among
• England’s third-tier. Newport have lost their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-3.
• Tuesday’s guests have also failed to win any of their last 11 consecutive appearances (10 defeats, one draws).

Conclusion

Eventually claiming what was a thrilling 4-3 victory at home against Leyton Orient over the weekend, Cardiff will be hoping for a more routine outing here. Excited to to turn their attention back to EFL Trophy action on Tuesday night, the Bluebirds will also be looking to make a real statement against their bitter local rivals. Continuing to impress with their clinical performances in the final third, Cardiff will be confident of exploiting a Newport squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis.

Verdict: Cardiff City win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet