Cardiff and Wrexham clash in a blockbuster match up to round out this opening Championship weekend.In fact this the south-north Welsh derby is the first league meeting between Cardiff and Wrexham in 24 years. Cardiff vs Wrexham head to head overviewDate: Monday 17 August 2026Kick-off: 8pm.Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, WalesWhere to watch: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDCardiff vs Wrexham quick tipsSam Smith 2+ shots on target – (was 7/4) NOW 9/4 with MidniteCardiff to score in both halves – (was 9/4) NOW 5/2 with BOYLE SportsPrice Boosts – Salech 3+ shots on target – (was 6/1) NOW 7/1 with SkyBetCardiff vs Wrexham predictionsWrexham and Cardiff renew rivalry in the league for the first time in a generation tonight – both clubs with big ambitions to assert themselves from the first whistle.The Reds are looking to get revenge for their 2-1 home loss to the Cardiff in the EFL Cup fourth round last season.Both sets of managers, Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson and Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy are buzzing about the early season challenge.“When the fixture came out everyone was instantly excited by it,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.“It’s a Welsh derby and just a great game for both clubs to start.”Those based in the city of Cardiff can already sense something different in the air.“I can’t wait,” said Parkinson’s opposite number Brian Barry-Murphy.“You can feel a real buzz in the city for the game and we’re all looking forward to it.”Wrexham fell 1-0 to Middlesbrough in a tightly-contested EFL Cup first round clash, of two clubs who will be well-backed for a promotion push. Cardiff edged Swindon 3-2 in their EFL Cup tie with star striker Yousef Salech bagging a brace. But derby day provides the platform for heroes and victory to galvanise a fanbase.Cardiff vs Wrexham tipsWill Cardiff or Wrexham take early season bragging rights in growing Welsh rivalry?Smith on songWrexham striker Sam Smith signed a new deal this summer that will keep him in north Wales for another three years.He impressed last season with a great goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup and hit double figures in the second-tier. No mean feat.The 28-year-old should lead the line for his side on Friday and will be a danger to the Cardiff back-line with his impressive movement and improved finishing. The Bluebirds on songCardiff scored a whopping 90 goals on their way to promotion to the Championship. It worked out at an impressive 1.96 goals per 90 minutes in the 2025/26 League One season.Wrexham were a little porous in defence last year and that could come back to bite them tonight, with the home side able to breach their defence in both halves.Salech’s eye for goalSince signing for Cardiff in 2025, Stralech has hit the ground running. He bagged 14 goals in 34 league matches on the way to the League One promotion, having missed a portion of the season with a serious neck injury. Now back fully fit, the 24-year-old Dane will be a handful for the Wrexham back-line and should work the keeper if given the opportunity. Cardiff vs Wrexham predicted lineupsCardiff expected lineup (4-4-2): Trott (GK); Ng, Kpakio, Osho, Bagan; Robertson, Ashford, Turnbull, Davies; Tanner, SalechWrexham expected lineup (3-5-1-1): Ward (GK); Vyner, Hyam, Doyle; Imray, James, Rathbone, O’Brien, Broadhead, Thomason; Broadhead; SmithCardiff vs Wrexham latest oddsFind the latest Cardiff vs Wrexham betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.Cardiff – 6/4 with SkyBetDraw – 5/2 with MidniteWrexham – 8/5 with BOYLE SportsMore club football predictionsWe have plenty more club football predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Cardiff vs Wrexham for bettingThe last league meeting was a League Two encounter at Ninian Park in March 2002 which Cardiff won 3-2, while the last game between them was an FAW Premier Cup semi-final in 2004 – Wrexham winning on penalties.Their first Welsh Cup final was all the way back in 1920 but their paths did not cross in league action until 1975.Decline at both clubs during the 1980s saw them drop to the Fourth Division but the Welsh Cup offered respite as they locked horns in the 1988 Welsh Cup final when Alan Curtis scored as Cardiff clinched a cup and promotion double.Last meeting: 28th October 2026; Wrexham 1-2 Cardiff (EFL Cup fourth round)Last 6 matches: Cardiff wins – 4 ; Wrexham wins – 1 ; Draws – 1Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. 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