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

Brentford play host to Cardiff City on Tuesday evening knowing that only victory will do if they want to remain in the automatic promotion race.

While the Bees sit eight points adrift of second-placed Watford with a game in hand, opponents Cardiff are realistically out of contention for the Championship playoffs after four games without a win.

Match preview

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With Watford losing at Luton Town and Swansea City being held by Wycombe Wanderers, Brentford had the opportunity to take full advantage when facing Millwall at the weekend.

However, Thomas Frank's side were unable to find a way through a well-organised Lions backline, restricting them to their fifth draw in six matches.

While the Bees have only lost once since February 24, claiming just four wins during that period has left the London outfit in line to feature in the playoffs.

Even though they still require Watford to lose at least two of their remaining four games, Frank will point to their meeting with the Hornets on May 1 as reason why his side will remain motivated in their search for the top two.

Nevertheless, Brentford are not yet in a position where they can ignore seventh-placed Reading, the only team capable of denying Brentford and their nearest rivals a playoff place.

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Cardiff had hoped to still be in the conversation for promotion to the Premier League after initially impressing under the guidance of Mick McCarthy.

However, the Bluebirds have conceded last-minute equalisers in their last two matches, goals which have effectively eliminated the Welsh outfit from the race for the playoffs.

There are reasons for McCarthy to be optimistic about next season, but supporters have been left frustrated after their unforeseen drop off in form after a six-match winning streak.

Top goalscorer Kieffer Moore netted his first goal in eight appearances against Reading on Friday, albeit from the penalty spot.

Team News

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Having an extra day of recovery may encourage McCarthy to stick with the majority of the Cardiff side which started at the Madejski Stadium.

Josh Murphy and Sheyi Ojo are both options for the visitors if McCarthy opts to introduce fresh legs in midfield and attack.

Providing that he sticks with a three-man backline, Brentford boss Frank is likely to keep changes to a minimum for this contest.

Saman Ghoddos or Emiliano Marcondes could be handed a recall in place of Tariqe Fosu-Henry, but the likes of Rico Henry and Josh Dasilva remain on the sidelines.

Sergi Canos netted a hat-trick during the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, something which may be taken into consideration by his head coach.

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Raya; Pinnock, Norgaard, Jansson; Rasmussen, Jensen, Janelt, Ghoddos, Mbeumo; Toney, Forss

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Smithies; Nelson, Flint, Brown; Sang, Pack, Vaulks, Ng; Murphy, Wilson; Moore

We say: Brentford 1-1 Cardiff City

Both sides have proven this season that they are capable of making an impact in the final third. However, inconsistency has hampered these teams of late, leading us to predict a frustrating 90 minutes for each side on Tuesday evening.