BIG GAME AS STOCKPORT COME TO VISIT
- ccfcinsider
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
The Bluebirds are back in the Welsh Capital as they host Dave Challinor's Stockport County.
The Opposition:
As expected, Stockport have been right near the top of the table for the first half of the season, stabilising as a firm play-off contender, having flirted with the automatic promotion places.
Challinor’s tactics focus on high-intensity pressing, flexible formations (3-5-2 or 4-4-2), and a front-foot approach where teams attack and defend collectively. He emphasizes purposeful possession, with defenders stepping into midfield and wing-backs providing width. His philosophy blends adaptability, hard work, and clarity, creating disciplined yet aggressive teams.
A win in the Welsh Capital could see Stockport move into third place, and just one point off the automatic promotion places.
The Bluebirds:
City come into this one on the back of a paramount victory over third place Bradford. David Turnbull opened the scoring with a stunner, before a smart flick from close range from Calum Chambers quickly doubled City's advantage. Despite a Jenson Metcalfe second half stunner, Cardiff held out for all three points.
Barry-Murphy’s side could disrupt Challinor’s press by controlling possession, stretching play wide to exploit wing-back spaces, and mixing in direct balls over the top to punish Stockport’s high defensive line. Things Cardiff have done really well in the opening month of the season.
Opposition Player to Watch:
Norwood is the glue for The Hatters in the heart of the midfield. The 34 year-old is a deep-lying midfielder who controls tempo with sharp short passing and accurate long diagonals rather than dribbling or physicality. His game is built on positioning, game intelligence, and consistency, acting as a metronome who keeps his team structured and ticking over.
The midfielder's long journey started at Manchester United. Norwood had loan moves to Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City before permanently departing Old Trafford for Huddersfield Town in 2012. After two years with The Terriers, Norwood would join Reading, before joining Brighton & Hove Albion. Loan moves to Fulham and Sheffield United followed, with Norwood then joining The Blades permanently in 2019. After five years at Bramall Lane, the midfielder joined Stockport on a three-year deal. Norwood has contributed with six goals and four assists in all competitions so far this season.
Last Meeting:
Stockport County 1-1 Cardiff City
The two sides were forced to share the points back in September, with Yousef Salech netting a dramatic goal late on to salvage a point for Cardiff.
Ollie Norwood gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot just after the half hour mark. As the game looked to have gotten away from The Bluebirds, Salech met an inch-perfect Chris Willock cross and nodded past Corey Addai to seal a point for City.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Harry Tyrer available for debut. Ronan Kpakio and Omari Kellyman back available for The Bluebirds. Late decisions to be made on Ryan Wintle, David Turnbull and Perry Ng. Rubin Colwill and Eli King remain out injured.
Stockport County - Lewis Bate, Callum Camps, Lewis Fiorini, Callum Connolly and Arttu Hoskonen out for the visitors.
Preferred XI:
GK - Nathan Trott
RB - Ronan Kpakio
RCB - Gabriel Osho
LCB - Calum Chambers
LB - Joel Bagan
CDM - Alex Robertson
RCM - Joel Colwill
LCM - Omari Kellyman
RW - Ollie Tanner
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Yousef Salech
Score Prediction:
Cardiff City 3-2 Stockport County
It is bound to be hectic one against such a good side away from home. Big performance needed from The Bluebirds!
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