The Bluebirds look to advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since the 11/12 season as they travel to Blackburn.
The Opposition:
In the summer, Blackburn lost key men Ben Brereton Diaz, Thomas Kaminski and Bradley Dack. Rovers however made some impressive signings in their place as they added James Hill from Bournemouth, Leopold Wahlstedt from Odds Ballklubb, Andrew Moran from Brighton, Semir Telalovic from Borussia Monchengladbach, Arnor Sigurdsson from CSKA Moscow, Sondre Tronstad from Vitesse and Niall Ennis from Plymouth.
Tomasson is a very modern manager. He often dons a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1 formation which focuses on build-up play, and fast and devastating attacks. Build-up play consists of short and sharp passes that cut through enemy lines, but the report details how Tomasson’s side isn’t immune to playing effective long balls when the space opens up in behind the defence. Within this four-strong midfield, which often defends as a flat line, it makes it extremely difficult for the opposition to break past that midfield four, offering a higher defensive line with the two attacking players then chasing the ball down.
The Bluebirds:
The Bluebirds are currently on their best run since February 2021 under new boss Erol Bulut. Last time out, The Bluebirds edged out Sunderland with a late goal from Mark McGuinness enough to earn the three points.
Due to Blackburn's tendency to keep the ball, I could see The Bluebirds doing most of their good work on the counter-attack. I could Cardiff soaking up Rovers' pressure and then pouncing with the likes of Ollie Tanner.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Callum O'Dowda could possibly be available. Josh Bowler remains out. After being replaced due to injury on the weekend, Karlan Grant is a doubt.
Blackburn Rovers - Niall Ennis and Sam Gallagher are expected to be out. Welsh forward Ryan Hedges is also out.
Preferred XI:
GK - Alex Runarsson
LB - Vontae Campbell
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
RCB - Ebou Adams
RB - Mahlon Romeo
RDM - Romaine Sawyers
LDM - Andy Rinomhota
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Ollie Tanner
LW - Callum Robinson
ST - Kion Etete
Prediction:
Blackburn 1-2 Cardiff City
I could see The Bluebirds just edging it. The Bluebirds are in good form and have players in good form who should be itching to make an impact tomorrow such as Kion Etete and Ollie Tanner. With the fresh legs like Colwill and Robbo, I could see The Bluebirds being clinical in attack.
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