Preview: Cardiff City vs Plymouth Argyle - prediction, team news, lineups

Cardiff City play host to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their position at the top of the League One table.

At a time when Bluebirds sit in first place with an unbeaten record, Plymouth make the trip to South Wales down in 19th spot.

Match preview

When Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed as Cardiff's new head coach, the fanbase may have had their reservations given that his only senior role had come at Rochdale.

However, the Irishman is proving to be an inspired appointment with six victories and one draw coming from his seven matches in all competitions.

Most notably, a total of 13 points have been accumulated from five games in League One, Cardiff only conceding once during that time.

Four clean sheets have also been kept in a row in all competitions, the most recent in the 3-0 victory over Cheltenham Town in the EFL Cup second round.

In four home matches since the start of 2025-26, the Bluebirds have netted at least twice, something that will not be ignored by Plymouth.

The Pilgrims board have already given their backing to Tom Cleverley on the back of the team suffering four successive defeats at the start of the third-tier campaign.

Cleverley subsequently witnessed Plymouth earn a 1-0 win over Blackpool in their following match to ease some of the pressure on his shoulders.

Plymouth went on to bow out of the EFL Cup in midweek against the other Welsh EFL giant Swansea City, yet positives can be taken from drawing 1-1 at the home of a Championship club before losing on penalties.

Five goals have been shipped in their two away defeats to Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City this season.

Cardiff City League One form:

W D W W W

Cardiff City form (all competitions):

D W W W W W

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

L L L L W

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

L W L L W D

Team News

Although David Turnbull could recover from a groin issue to keep his place in the Cardiff XI, Joel Colwill is on standby to deputise in midfield.

Isaak Davies provided a goal and assist in the win over Cheltenham and is in contention to replace Cian Ashford.

Meanwhile, Cleverley is likely to revert back to much of the Plymouth side from the win over Blackpool having made changes for the Swansea tie.

Brendan Wiredu is an option to take the spot of Brendan Galloway in the centre of defence, helping his case with a goal in the EFL Cup.

Matthew Sorinola is also pushing for a recall at left-back.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Trott; Kpakio, Fish, Lawlor, Bagan; Turnbull, Wintle; Ashford, Colwill, Willock; Robinson

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; Szucs, Mitchell, Wiredu, Benarous; Ibrahim, Boateng; Amaechi, Watts, Mumba; Tolaj

We say: Cardiff City 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

With Plymouth finally settling under Cleverley, they will fancy their chances of earning a share of the spoils. However, we cannot back against this progressing Cardiff outfit right now, leading us to predict a hard-fought victory with the potential for a late winner.

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