Burnley host Cardiff City at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon as the focus switches from the Carabao Cup back to the Championship.
Burnley weren’t in midweek cup action but they enjoyed a successful outing on Monday night as they thrashed fellow relegated side Luton Town and Kenilworth Road.
It was a result few saw coming, but with the Hatters struggling with injuries, the Clarets made the most of the chance to make a statement. Josh Brownhill, Wilson Odobert, Dara O’Shea and Vitinho got the goals.
They’ve had a little longer to rest as a result of their first round bye and will be up for the fight as they return to Turf Moor.
As for Cardiff City, they’ll be hopeful of getting off the mark in the Championship after winning against League One opposition in the cup.
Having lost 2-0 to Sunderland on the opening day, the Bluebirds triumphed by the same scoreline as they hosted Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.
A powering Mark McGuinness header and a goal from Rubin Colwill secured the win for Erol Bulut’s side. He’ll be hoping for more of the same this weekend but they’re sure to be up against it.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“Burnley have set a high standard after that thumping win over Luton Town and after some wrote them off, they’ve reminded everyone that they’re not one to be ignored this season.
“New boss Scott Parker gets some stick, but he leads successful teams at this level. And, with some of the talent on his books, the likes of Cardiff City could struggle against the Clarets, especially at Turf Moor.
“The Bluebirds aren’t going to be an easy opponent. They’ve given some good sides real headaches under Bulut, but I do think they’ll come up short.
