Warnock's Bluebirds travel to Reading on Sunday as heavy favourites with the bookmakers, with the complexion of both sides looking quite different.
Cardiff are targetting a promotion straight back up to the Premier League, having been relegated last season, while Reading will be striving to avoid a repeat of last season's relegation battle.
It's two defeats from two games for the Royals so far, who lost 3-1 to Sheffield Wednesday and 2-1 away to Hull, whilst Cardiff bounced back from a surprise opening weekend defeat, 3-2 to Wigan, by beating recently-promoted Luton 2-1 courtesy of substitute Isaac Vassell's 95th-minute winner.
With four goals conceded in two games, Cardiff are still missing the defensive solidity that their last promotion push was built on, with Sol Bamba not expected to return from injury for months yet, while Alex Smithies will have to deputise for first-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Reading will be galvanised by their penalty shootout victory over Wycombe in midweek, while several key players were given a rest. That could see first-choice strike partnership Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite start up top together.
Like Cardiff, there are doubts about the Reading backline (five goals conceded so far), so there's every chance this Sunday afternoon meeting yields goals at both ends.
We recommend backing both teams to score, but the superior quality of Cardiff to win out
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Reading vs Cardiff
Reading are hoping it's third time lucky as they search for their first points of the new season when they host Neil Warnock's Cardiff on Sunday.
PaddyPower Pre-Match Odds: Reading 12/5, Draw 9/4, Cardiff 11/10
NEW PADDY POWER CUSTOMERS GET A £10 RISK FREE FIRST BET - MONEY BACK IN CASH IF IT LOSES!**
Warnock's Bluebirds travel to Reading on Sunday as heavy favourites with the bookmakers, with the complexion of both sides looking quite different.
Cardiff are targetting a promotion straight back up to the Premier League, having been relegated last season, while Reading will be striving to avoid a repeat of last season's relegation battle.
It's two defeats from two games for the Royals so far, who lost 3-1 to Sheffield Wednesday and 2-1 away to Hull, whilst Cardiff bounced back from a surprise opening weekend defeat, 3-2 to Wigan, by beating recently-promoted Luton 2-1 courtesy of substitute Isaac Vassell's 95th-minute winner.
With four goals conceded in two games, Cardiff are still missing the defensive solidity that their last promotion push was built on, with Sol Bamba not expected to return from injury for months yet, while Alex Smithies will have to deputise for first-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Reading will be galvanised by their penalty shootout victory over Wycombe in midweek, while several key players were given a rest. That could see first-choice strike partnership Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite start up top together.
Like Cardiff, there are doubts about the Reading backline (five goals conceded so far), so there's every chance this Sunday afternoon meeting yields goals at both ends.
We recommend backing both teams to score, but the superior quality of Cardiff to win out
Recommendation
Both teams to score and Cardiff to win - 7/2 with Paddy Power
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Head to Head Comparison
Reading - Last 5 Matches
Cardiff City - Last 5 Matches