Cardiff City travel to Watford seeking to return to winning ways.
The Opposition:
It has been a mixed bag for The Hornets so far this season. Watford have been patient with Valerian Ismaël, as the Frenchman didn't have the best start to life at Vicarage Road. Two wins in his first eleven in charge led to some questioning whether Watford would contune their cycle of sacking manager after manager, however the Watford board have remained patient. The Hornets have now lost just twice since mid November, and have made Vicarage Road a fortress.
Watford have become a pragmatic side under Ismaël but that doesn’t mean defensive, because it’s far from it. Ismaël is keen to build from the back, this proved by the fact Watford defender Wesley Hoedt leads the Hornets attempted passes per 90, most progressive passes per 90, most passes into the final third per 90 and has the most touches per 90. In the final third, Watford operate on a get the ball to the attacking midfielders policy to get shots off, especially from central areas. (Much more info in this great piece The evolution of Watford under Valérien Ismaël | by Lou | Jan, 2024 | Medium).
Watford come into this sat ninth in the Championship table.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this off the back of a worrying 3-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle. However, after five new additions since that game, you'd like to hope Cardiff will have a new spurge of energy and return to the Cardiff of the start of the season.
The Bluebirds' will have to be on there A game in terms of pressing. Watford have looked vulnerable to a strong press this season. Cardiff will also have to close down The Hornets quick in advanced areas, and seek o hit them quick on the press.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ralls are back available for The Bluebirds. Callum Robinson a doubt. O'Dowda out.
Watford - Edo Kayembe and Jeremy Ngakia missing for the hosts.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Nat Phillips
LB - Jamilu Collins
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Josh Bowler
LW - Karlan Grant
ST - Yakou Meite
Score Prediction:
Watford 2-1 Cardiff City
I think Watford may have a bit too much for The Bluebirds. I think it will be a good game where The Hornets nick it late on. Let's hope I'm wrong!
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