Cardiff City return to the Welsh Capital as they host Marti Cifuentes' QPR.
The Opposition:
QPR struggled early on last season under Gareth Ainsworth, which led to the 51 year-old's departure. Marti Cifuentes was chosen as his successor, and guided The R's to safety with games to spare.
The R's were tipped by many to kick on this season, as Cifuentes added Zan Celar from Lugano, Kieran Morgan from Tottenham, Nicolas Madsen from Westerlo, Dan Bennie from Perth, Jonathan Varane from Sporting Gijon, Paul Nardi from Gent, Liam Morrison from Bayern Munich, Harrison Ashby from Newcastle, Hevertton from Estrela Amadora, Karamoko Dembele from Stade de Brestois, Nathan Sheppard from Wycombe and Koki Saito from Lommel SK.
Cifuentes is a proactive coach who demands a lot from his sides. Since his arrival, QPR have enjoyed a lot more possession in games. The Catalan manager typically lines up in a 4-3-3 with a deep lying playmaker - which is typically Sam Field. When out of possession, The R's look to press quick and regain the ball quickly.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff stopped the rot last time out, with a hard fought draw against Sheffield Wednesday, a goal from Ollie Tanner was quickly answered as both sides were forced to settle for a point. City were fairly poor for large spells, adding to the value of the point.
I see both sides sharing possession in this one, whether Cardiff will make the most of that is too be seen. The Bluebirds will need more intensity than in the last three games if they want to get anything out of this one. Rubin Colwill could be key in unlocking The R's backline.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Anwar El Ghazi and Calum Chambers' availability unknown. Aaron Ramsey, Kion Etete and Isaak Davies remain out.
QPR - Ilias Chair, Jake Clarke-Salter, Michael Frey, Karamoko Dembele and Jack Colback all out for the visitors.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Jesper Daland
LB - Callum O'Dowda
LCM - Joe Ralls
RCM - Alex Robertson
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Ollie Tanner
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Callum Robinson
Prediction:
Cardiff City 1-0 QPR
This will be a cagey one, but I think City could nick one, maybe through a set piece.
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