With four games to go just one point separates Welsh rivals Cardiff City and Swansea City in the Championship table, both seemingly chasing the final play-off spot.
The Bluebirds are currently in sixth place occupying that position… with the Swans hot on their heels in seventh.
So which team has the better chance of reaching the promised land of Premier League football? Well, not surprisingly it’s Cardiff if you go by the bookies’ odds.
Neil Harris’ Bluebirds are 8/11 for a top-six finish with Paddypower and 7/10 with Unibet, while Steve Cooper’s Swans are a tempting 9/4 with Bet Victor.
The Bluebirds’ run-in sees them at Craven Cottage tomorrow for an 8.15pm kick-off against Fulham, followed by a crucial home tie against play-off outsiders Derby County the following Tuesday. Then they are back in action on the Saturday, travelling to Middlesbrough, before finishing off their campaign with Hull at home on 22 July.
It’s not any easy start to the final promotion push for Cardiff in London tomorrow and the Rams at home is hardly a pushover, while Middlesbrough and Hull are less daunting prospects. But anything can happen once squeaky-bum time strikes and the Bluebirds will not be counting any chickens yet.
The Swans also have a harrowing start to their final push, with top-two contenders Leeds visiting the Liberty Stadium on Sunday for a 1.30pm kick-off.
Swansea then take on promotion-hopefuls Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, before a home clash with Bristol City the following Saturday. Finally Cooper’s side wind up their campaign at Reading on 22 July.
Once again it’s a tricky run of games for Swansea to negotiate but with the prospect of pipping their great South Wales rivals to the end-of-season showdown there’s plenty to inspire them.
So, does either run-in tempt you to place a bet? Well, if so, the odds on either side earning promotion are a lot more attractive.
With Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Brentford or Leeds likely to occupy the other play-off berths what are the odds on the Swans or Bluebirds gaining promotion?
Cardiff are a decent 12/1 with both Paddypower, Betfair and Bet365, while Swansea are priced at 14/1 with Betfred and 16/1 with most other bookies. Although the Swans are at a very tempting 25/1 with Betway if you’re bullish about their chances.
Still a long way to go in the play-off race, but the picture should be a lot clearer come late Sunday afternoon! Is now the time to have a flutter?
Remaining Cardiff and Swansea games
Friday July 10: 8.15pm Fulham v Cardiff City
Sunday July 12: 1.30pm Swansea City v Leeds United
Tuesday July 14: 7.45pm Cardiff City v Derby County
Wednesday July 15: 6pm Nottingham Forest v Swansea City
Saturday July 18: 3pm Middlesbrough v Cardiff City, Swansea City v Bristol City
Wednesday July 22: 7.30pm Cardiff City v Hull City, Reading v Swansea City
