Warnock talks up survival chances

Cardiff (10/11 – To be relegated) manager Neil Warnock believes they are capable of beating the drop this term but has stressed the importance of maintaining standards.

The Bluebirds were heavily fancied to suffer relegation before a ball was even kicked in 2018-19 but they currently reside outside of the drop zone.

After defying the odds to win automatic promotion last term, it would be regarded as an even bigger achievement to retain their Premier League status.

Back-to-back victories over Bournemouth and Southampton have provided further optimism, however, they are only one point clear of the bottom three.

Cardiff welcome Watford to South Wales on Friday (Match Betting – Cardiff 21/20, draw 23/10, Watford 7/5) as they look to make history by winning three successive Premier League games.

With the Hornets looking to compete for seventh this term, it certainly won’t prove an easy night at the Cardiff City Stadium.

But Warnock, who claims Cardiff continue to exceed his targets, is optimistic about their chances of survival.

When asked if the Bluebirds can avoid relegation based on their current form, Warnock said: “If we play like that, yes. But anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League on their day, apart from the top two or three.

“In that bottom half I think there’ll be teams looking below. We’re probably the only team down there who’s known they’re in a fight.

“We won’t be six points above the bottom three with a cigar in our mouth at any stage, to be honest.

“We’ve had challenges all season, to get past 11 points was our first challenge, then 20, then it goes on like that.

“Everybody appreciates that our budget is as low as it’s ever been in the Premier League. Stories like this can have happy endings, it won’t be for the lack of trying.”

Odds subject to change