The Bluebirds are back on the road as they travel to face Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough.
The Opposition:
Middlesbrough have continued their good form from last season as they sit in fifth ahead of this one. Carrick's side have proven ruthless in front of goals with heavy victories of Oxford, Luton, QPR and Hull so far this season.
Carrick has typically set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but it fast evolves into a much more fluid system that is difficult for the opposition to defend against. Boro generate plenty of width under Carrick by shifting their formation when in possession to push one full-back high while the other drops in to create a back three.
A win would see Boro remain in fifth, but if Carrick's side fail to win they could drop out of the play-off places.
The Bluebirds:
City come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw with Coventry in mid week. The Bluebirds took an early lead through Alex Robertson but were pegged back in the first minute of the second half. Callum Robinson was dismissed a minute later, but 10-man Cardiff held out for another valuable point.
Given Cardiff's recent games in this new system, it's likely Boro will have a large amount of possession, so City will have to stay strong and compact and be lethal on the counterattack which they've been decent at in the last two games.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Kion Etete could possibly return for this one. Isaak Davies, Roko Simic, Aaron Ramsey, Michael Reindorf and David Turnbull out for City. Callum Robinson suspended.
Middlesbrough - Aidan Morris, Marcus Forss, Darragh Lenihan, Alex Bangura, Sol Brynn, Senny Dieng, Luke Ayling, Tommy Conway, Jonny Howson and Tommy Smith all out for the hosts.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Andy Rinomhota
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Will Fish
LB - Callum O'Dowda
RDM - Calum Chambers
LDM - Manolis Siopis
CAM - Alex Robertson
RW - Cian Ashford
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Yakou Meite
Predictions:
Middlesbrough 3-1 Cardiff City
I could see City starting bright like against Watford, but feel we'll struggle to withstand the pressure from a team that scores for fun.
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