Carlisle United vs Cardiff Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 12/01/2020, 17:59  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 12/01/2020 at 19:01 in FA Cup Prediction

Carlisle United have the chance to cause an FA Cup upset as they host Championship side Cardiff City. The League Two side are currently 21st in the table and seven points above the relegation zone, while Cardiff are 12th in the Championship. The winners of this tie travel to either Reading or Blackpool in the fourth round (last 32). When the two sides met at Cardiff, it looked as if Carlisle were going to cause a big upset. They led 2-0 at one stage before a comeback by the Championshp side to grab a replay. Carlisle aren't in good form with only two wins in their last 13 league and cup ties. One of those victories was in the FA Cup when beating fellow League Two side Forest Green Rovers. They have conceded nine goals in their last three games, so there are obvious defensive worries.

Cardiff City are only four points adrift of the final promotion play-off position in the Championship. They would be closer but for 11 league draws this season and they had another one at home to Swansea City on Sunday. Only two of their last six away games have been lost, one being a 6-1 defeat by high-scoring QPR. They have only failed to get on the scoresheet once in their last 11 away games. With neither side having a good defensive record, a bet on both teams to score is the suggested bet.