Swansea v Cardiff Odds: Garry Monk welcomed to management with baptism of fire in South Wales Derby

September 16, 2014

Swansea are still considered to be 4/5 favourites by Paddy Power to beat Cardiff in the South Wales derby despite sacking boss Michael Laudrup for club veteran Garry Monk earlier this week.

Garry Monk could not have a tougher first match as a professional manager as he looks after Swansea as they host Cardiff in the South Wales derby on Saturday evening.

Going into the clash, Swansea have struggled for form in recent weeks and this has seen them sit just two points above the relegation zone despite being in 12th place on the table.

Monk will certainly be praying that several of his big players are able to return as both Michu and Michel Vorm could sneak their way onto the bench if they pass their fitness tests.

On top of that, Jonjo Shelvey is also expected to be cleared for the fixture although Jose Canas and Pablo Hernandez are still absent for The Jacks.

If Swansea is to get off to a winning start, Wilfried Bony could prove to be a vital asset with the Ivorian striker having scored all of his Premier League goals on Welsh soil.

Cardiff’s fortunes in 2014 are starting to turn around slowly and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows that a win in the South Wales Derby could see The Bluebirds climb out of the relegation zone on Saturday night.

Having impressed in their debuts last week, both Wilfried Zaha and Kenwyne Jones are expected to be handed a start and provide some much needed firepower to the Cardiff attack.

Although Andrew Taylor and Mark Hudson are still out injured, Cardiff will still have reinforcements at the back with both Declan John and Vincent Theopile-Catherine keen to make a name for themselves in the Premier League on such a big occasion.

Cardiff have had the bragging rights in the last couple of encounters between the two sides and a win at The Liberty Stadium would be the first time that they have won The South Wales Derby three times in a row in a league situation.

This will no doubt be a huge confidence boost for Cardiff who will need to be at their best if they are going to beat Swansea in the South Wales Derby.