Cardiff beat Belfast 5:2 in the Elite League on Sunday, pulling away from a side that had only played one match before this encounter. The hosts remain unbeaten in three games, while the visitors are still searching for their second victory.
To be fair, the result was never really in doubt. Cardiff have been sharp at home, winning 3:0 against Dundee and 2:1 with Glasgow in their last two outings before this one. Belfast brought a 1:0 win over Coventry and a 4:0 demolition of Dundee, but those results came against opponents with different profiles.
And here's the thing about our prediction — we backed the home side at 48% confidence, and it came through without fuss. That wasn't blind faith in the table position. It was reading the pattern of recent performances and understanding what each team brings to a fixture like this.
By then, Cardiff had already established their place at the top of the standings after three straight wins. Belfast sit eighth after a single game, which tells you nothing about where they will finish — the season is barely underway for the visitors.
The goal difference now sits at +3 for Cardiff and +3 for Belfast, but those figures carry different weight. Three matches versus one. The home side have seen more of the game, more variations in opposition, and still kept their record perfect.
