BLUEBIRDS RETURN TO ACTION

Cardiff City return from the international break as they host Noel Hunt's Reading.

Rubin Colwill celebrating.

The Opposition:

The Royals were flying at the beginning of the 24/25 season under Ruben Selles, before the Spaniard departed for Hull City. Noel Hunt was Selles' successor, and guided Reading to a seventh placed finish, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

Reading were subject of a takeover over the summer, and therefore were busy over the summer. Noel Hunt added Paddy Lane from Portsmouth, Liam Fraser from Crawley Town, Paudie O'Connor from Lincoln City, Kamari Doyle from Brighton, Jack Marriott from Wrexham, Matt Ritchie from Portsmouth, Derrick Williams from Atalanta United, Jack Stevens from Cambridge United, Daniel Kyerewaa from Preußen Münster, Finley Burns from Manchester City, Matty Jacob from Hull City and Mark O'Mahony from Brighton.

Hunt tends to set his teams up in a 4-3-3 with a more direct style, focusing on early forward balls to wingers or a central striker rather than intricate build-up play. He also emphasises a balance between being hard to beat defensively and exploiting attacking chances through physicality and counter transitions.

The Bluebirds:

A young City side were beaten last time out in the Vertu Trophy by Newport County. A first half goal from Ex-Bluebird Tom Davies was enough for County to seal the victory.

Barry-Murphy’s possession-based, high-tempo passing style could expose Hunt’s direct approach by controlling midfield dominance and exploiting the spaces left behind when Hunt’s teams push forward quickly.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Jack Marriott celebrating.

Marriott has started immensely at The Royals since his summer move from Wrexham. Jack Marriott is a pacey, instinctive striker who thrives on making sharp runs behind defences and finishing quickly with minimal touches.

The striker started his career at Ipswich Town, before loan moves to Woking, Gillingham, Carlisle United and Colchester United. Marriott inevitably departed Portman Road permanently, joining Luton Town. The forward was on the move after a successful two seasons, joining Peterborough. Marriott impressed at Posh, earning him a move to Derby County. The forward joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan before completing a loan move back to Peterborough in 2021. After two seasons back at Posh, Marriott joined Fleetwood Town, where he spent a season before joining Wrexham. Reading swooped in this summer for the experienced forward, who has netted five goals in his first six games at The Royals.

Last Meeting:

Cardiff City 1-0 Reading (2023)

Romaine Sawyers celebrating.

City picked up a crucial three points the last time these two sides met. A goal from Romaine Sawyers was enough to clinch all three points for Sabri Lamouchi's Bluebirds.

Cardiff had knocked on the door all evening, hitting the woodwork. As the game look to have got away, Romaine Sawyers hit a sweet half-volley from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner, sealing all three points at the CCS.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Cian Ashford, Gabriel Osho and Chris Willock available after injuries. Dylan Lawlor a doubt for this one. Eli King and Ollie Tanner remain out for City.

Reading - Joel Pereira and Derrick Williams doubts for the visitors. Liam Fraser and Andre Garcia out injured.

Preferred XI:

GK - Nathan Trott

RB - Ronan Kpakio

RCB - Will Fish

LCB - Gabriel Osho

LB - Joel Bagan

CDM - Ryan Wintle

RCM - Rubin Colwill

LCM - Joel Colwill

RW - Omari Kellyman

LW - Chris Willock

ST - Callum Robinson

Score Prediction:

Cardiff City 2-1 Reading

Reading's roster aligns with the squads City have struggled against so far this season, littered with experience and touches of quality, so this won't be plain-sailing. However, I'm hoping a rested and rejuvenated Cardiff can claim all three points in this one.

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