The Bluebirds' welcome fellow Welsh outfit Swansea City in the 116th meeting between the two clubs at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Opposition:
Swansea have overseen a huge summer overhaul following Russell Martin's departure to Southampton earlier this summer. His successor Michael Duff has added 13 new summer signings. Jamal Lowe, Josh Tymon, Nathan Broome, Carl Rushworth, Josh Ginnelly, Josh Key, Jerry Yates, Mykola Kukharevych, Harrison Ashby, Charlie Patino, Bashir Humphreys, Kristian Pedersen and Nathan Tjoe-A-On all moved to The Swans this summer.
Unlike former boss Martin, Michael Duff operates with a 3-5-2 system but doesn't necessarily focus on having all the ball. Patino has already proved pivotal in the system as he has 3 assists so far this season. Duff has typically operated with a system that's intended to hurt the opposition in the wide areas on the pitch. A low block in defence means his sides have typically been hard to break down.
Jamal Lowe, Josh Tymon, Bashir Humphreys and Krsitian Pedersen all made Deadline Day moves to The Swans and are available to make their debuts this afternoon.
The Bluebirds:
What seems to be a reoccurring theme this season, many positives but also negatives to take from Cardiff's last fixture. The Bluebirds blew yet another two-goal lead and lost late on at Ipswich last time out.
It's hard to pinpoint how The Bluebirds will play. We could see Bulut's men control the ball or concede possession; it's just hard to predict. The Bluebirds will hurt The Swans the most on the counter-attack so we could see a system set up to counter-attack, or, The Bluebirds could control the ball and try and play between the lines and breakdown Duff's men.
Deadline Day addition Jonathan Panzo made his debut last time out - but will be pushing for a start this time out.
Team News:
Cardiff City - The Bluebirds are set to be without Josh Bowler and Callum O'Dowda for this fixture. Callum Robinson is set to return. Aaron Ramsey available after doubts over his fitness.
Swansea City - Some doubts over Kyle Naughton, but other than that a fully fit squad.
Preferred XI:
GK - Alex Runarsson
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RB - Perry Ng
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Aaron Ramsey
RW - Callum Robinson
LW - Karlan Grant
ST - Ike Ugbo
Prediction:
Cardiff City 1-1 Swansea City
I could see Swansea getting an early goal in typical South Wales Derby fashion. However, I could see The Bluebirds getting one back late on.
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