Slade seeks three on the spin as Cardiff come to the capital

Russell Slade takes charge of Cardiff City for the first time on the road, and can be confident of a third favourable result in a row, because of the Bluebirds’ brilliant unbeaten run against hosts Millwall. Coral make the visitors 7/4 to leave the Lions’ Den with three points.

When these two teams from the English and Welsh capitals were last in the Championship two seasons ago, Cardiff did the double over Millwall, winning to nil both home and away. That is a 21/5 chance to occur in south London here.

The Bluebirds have simply outscored their opposition in Slade’s first two games in charge, however, so an alternative bet to consider is an away victory with both team being on target at a temptingly long 11/2. Ian Holloway’s Lions are short to win at 6/4, especially considering they have only beaten Blackpool and Leeds United, under ill-fated coach Dave Hockaday, at home in the league this term.

Although Cardiff are on an eight-match undefeated run against Millwall, five of those have ended in draws. The Lions are used to sharing the spoils, having done so in each of their last three outings, so odds of 23/10 for this contest to finish even must be considered.

Thoughts turn to who shall score, and Slade has been able to count on former Manchester United frontman Federico Macheda. He has two in as many outings under the new Bluebirds boss, and is a tasty 2/1 to keep that form going by netting anytime.

Cardiff playmaker Peter Whittingham also struck against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, and found the target on two of their last three visits to The Den as well. He is sensational value at 4/1 in the same market, especially when punters consider his proficiency from set pieces.

Millwall, meanwhile, are heavily reliant on Jamaican journeyman Ricardo Fuller and Lee Gregory, plucked from non-league, to score them goals. They have drawn a blank on the road either side of a 3-3 home thriller against Wolves and former coach Kenny Jackett, but there is not the same motivation here.

Fuller bagged a brace in that contest, and turns 35 next week. Another double or better is a long shot at 11/1, but a safer option are anytime odds of 2/1. Former Halifax Town striker Gregory is 7/4 in that latter market. Holloway’s other forward options include Swedish target man Mathias Ranegie (7/1 to net the opener) on loan from Watford and former Australia international Scott McDonald (11/4 to net anytime).