Cardiff City return to action as they host Mike Dodds' Sunderland on Good Friday.
The Opposition:
It's been an up and down season for The Black Cats who now find themselves on their third manager of the season. Sunderland has a decent start under Tony Mowbray with big wins against Southampton and Norwich. Mowbray went winless for three games, and was given his marching orders. Michael Beale was chosen as his successor. After a fairly good start, things quickly turned sour and Beale was sacked after just three months at the helm. Now, Mike Dodds has been chosen to take interim charge until the end of the season.
Dodds is demanding a more attacking approach from his side. The 37 year-old isn't necessarily a possession-based coach with his side often having 45-50% possession.
Sunderland sit 12th coming into this one, and sit five points away from The Bluebirds.
The Bluebirds:
It was an afternoon to forget for The Bluebirds last time out. Cardiff lost 2-0 to Swansea with a gutless and unforgiveable performance, something they will look to put right this Friday.
Cardiff will have a fair amount of possession in this one. Sunderland have been an open side this season, especially down the flanks, something The Bluebirds should look to exploit with the pace of Callum O'Dowda and Karlan Grant.
Cardiff sit 11th and with a win could go back within four points of the Play-Offs if results go their way.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Jamilu Collins, Kion Etete and Jak Alnwick out. Aaron Ramsey available. Cllum O'Dowda now fit enough to start.
Sunderland - The Black Cats are without star man Jack Clarke. Aji Alese, Patrick Roberts, Corry Evans and Bradley Dack are all in contention for returns. Luke O'Nien back available. Rusyn, Seelt and Huggins out.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Nat Phillips
LB - Josh Wilson-Esbrand
LDM - Joe Ralls
RDM - Manolis Siopis
CAM - David Turnbull
RW - Rubin Colwill
LW - Callum O'Dowda
ST - Karlan Grant
Cardiff City 2-1 Sunderland
I feel this is actually a hard one to predict. These games Cardiff have typically lost this season, Sunderland come into this one seven games without a win. However, Cardiff have a point to prove, and if they turn up, they should come away with three points.
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