Cardiff City are looking to make it back to back wins as Preston North End visit the Welsh capital.
The Opposition:
Preston have had an up and down season so far. After going unbeaten for the first eight games of the season, North End only won two games between mid September and the start of December. Preston picked up impressive wins against Huddersfield and Leeds in December. Since the turn of the year, Preston have beaten both Bristol City and Ipswich.
The Lilywhites have opted for an array of tactical set-ups so far this term, but it would appear manager Lowe has settled on a 3-4-2-1 formation. Preston’s statistically calculated style of play, involves focusing attacks down the right-hand side, playing with width and often attempting long balls and crosses. Preston's more direct style could see Cardiff dominate possession.
Preston come into this fixture tenth in the table and a win off the play-off places.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come off the back of a good win at Watford last weekend. A moment of brilliance from Josh Bowler gave The Bluebirds all three points, as they head into this fixture on a high and seek to form a run of good results ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.
As previously mentioned, Preston's direct style could see Cardiff dominate po ssession. The Bluebirds will have to patient with the ball and be calculated in attack. With Preston's favouring target men, it's bound to be a physical afternoon for The Bluebirds defenders.
Cardiff come into this one thirteenth in the Championship table.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Joe Ralls is available for The Bluebirds. Mark McGuinness a doubt after picking a knock against Watford. Callum Robinson and Callum O'Dowda remain out. Horvath available after fixing his VISA issue.
Preston North End - Duane Holmes, Kian Best and Ched Evans all out for the visitors.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Nat Phillips
LB - Jamilu Collins
CDM - Manolis Siopis
LCM - David Turnbull
RCM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Josh Bowler
LW - Karlan Grant
ST - Famara Diedhiou
Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-1 Preston North End
With the quality in the squad, Cardiff could have a little bit too much for Preston. An early goal could be the difference, if Cardiff can get at Preston from the off, then they should control the game.
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