Cardiff City – Portsmouth

Fans in the Welsh capital will see at least two goals scored

England awaits 27 games in the 1/64th English League Cup finals on Tuesday. At this stage of England's oldest competition, Premier League clubs are not yet in action, and so the games between Championship teams and each other, or against more or less serious representatives of the First Division, are particularly valuable. And that includes the encounter in the Welsh capital city between local Cardiff City and Portsmouth. Last season for Morison's side was worse than the previous ones, in which the club was actively fighting for play-off places and the right to qualify for the Premier League. Cardiff City had no threat of relegation during the season, but finished in 18th position with just 53 points after 46 rounds. The club did not make any major changes to the squad during the transfer window, although there were rumours in June that the Welsh side would sign their great countryman Gareth Bale. Cardiff City defeated almost all of their opponents in July's friendly series, and the new Championship campaign was marked by a 1-0 win over relegated Norwich. However, the Welsh certainly didn't have time to get too cocky, as they lost 1-2 to Reading last Saturday. Portsmouth have not played in the Premier League and UEFA Cup for too long, but now they are not even the clear favourites in League One, England's third-best division. The team finished the previous season in tenth place, ten points short of the play-offs. Portsmouth did not start the new season very well, sharing points with Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln. In terms of the proposed bet, it is worth noting that since the 2015/2016 season, Portsmouth have played ten games in the English League Cup, none of which have ended with less than two goals scored. In addition, exactly five years ago, the Pompys met Cardiff City in the first round of the tournament on their own ground. Portsmouth won the first half 1-0, but lost 1-2. Cardiff City will not be playing a cat-and-mouse game with a lower division rival at home. Most likely, the Welsh will be active in attack from the opening minutes, which will eventually put the match into the category of high-scoring. We're betting on a minimum of two or three goals in Cardiff.