Wycombe Wanderers vs Cardiff City Prediction and Betting Tips | 1st January 2026

Cardiff City visit Wycombe Wanderers for their first League One game of 2026 on Thursday, aiming to maintain their lead atop the competition's table. With 47 points from 22 games, the Bluebirds are currently leading the title charge while also seemingly on their way to the Championship, from where they were relegated this summer.

But upon their return to the third division, Cardiff have been rampant, winning 15 times from 22 games so far to occupy first position on the League One table with 47 points, although the race is tight. Third-placed Bradford City are only four points behind Cardiff.

On their current run, though, it's easy to see the Welsh side getting a direct promotion to the second division.

Wycombe are down in ninth place with 29 points and only seven wins in the bag. After going eight games without a loss, the Chairboys have lost twice in their next four.

But in their most recent clash, Michael Duff's side drew 1-1 with Plymouth Argyle, who equalized in the fourth minute of stoppage time through Aribim Pepple to cancel out Dan Casey's early opener for Wycombe.

Wycombe Wanderers vs Cardiff City Head-To-Head and Key Numbers

• There have been 12 clashes between the sides in the past, with Cardiff winning seven times over Wycombe.
• The Bluebirds have won five times from their last six games against Wycombe.
• The Chairboys beat Cardiff 2-1 on their last visit to Wycombe. They haven't won consecutively since 1999.
• Cardiff City have won seven of their last eight games in the Championship.
• After going eight games without a loss, Wycombe have lost two of their next four.
• Cardiff City forward Yousef Salech has scored 11 goals in the Championship so far this season, the joint highest.
• Wycombe have failed to score in three of their last five League One games.

Wycombe Wanderers vs Cardiff City Prediction

Cardiff City will be out to avenge their last result away to Wycombe and their current run holds them in good stead, too. The Bluebirds will face resistance from the Chairboys once again, but should be able to prevail narrowly.

Prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Cardiff City

Wycombe Wanderers vs Cardiff City Betting Tips

Tip 1 - Result: Cardiff City to win

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes

Edited by Peter P