The Bluebirds travel to Ashton Gate as they seek to build on back-to-back wins against Bristol City.
The Opposition:
Following a shaky start under Nigel Pearson, The Robins recruited highly rated coach Liam Manning from Oxford United. The 38 year-old has made an impact at Bristol City and has drawn The Robins away from a relegation battle they were getting drawn into. Things have been inconsistent under Manning, The Robins have picked up impressive wins against the likes of West Ham and Southampton, however have picked up losses against out of form QPR, Millwall and Blackburn.
Manning's sides enjoy free-flowing attacking football. The 38 year-old has a possession-based style with the creativity coming from a triangle three in midfield. With the ball they are predominantly a possession based team, with measured build-up, but are not a pass for passing’s sake team, they don’t overplay, but are comfortable waiting for their opportunities. They are not a high-press team. But they are effective in a mid-block and trigger their press efficiently.
Bristol City sit 12th in the Championship ahead of this one.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff registred their first home win of the year last time out, as they beat Stoke City 2-1. Altogether it was a good outing from The Bluebirds, Cardiff looked bright going forward and also defended well.
The Bluebirds will have to stay compact and likely in a low block to see off The Robins. Cardiff's best work is likely to come on the counter attack and set pieces, of course. It's likely to be the battle in the middle of the park that either wins or loses the game.
Cardiff sit 14th and can go ahead of The Robins with a victory at Ashton Gate.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Callum O'Dowda is back available to face his former club. Karlan Grant is a doubt. McGuinness, Ramsey, Robinson and Alnwick still out.
Bristol City - Scott Twine, Matty James, Kal Naismith, Ayman Benarous, Rob Atkinson and Sam Bell out for the hosts.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Nat Phillips
LB - Josh Wilson-Esbrand
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - David Turnbull
RW - Josh Bowler
LW - Rubin Colwill
ST - Kion Etete
Prediction:
Bristol City 2-2 Cardiff City
This is likely to be an open game of football for both sides. Both have shown signs of attacking intent in recent games. I could see Cardiff nodding one in from a set-piece, or two.
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