BLUEBIRDS SEEK IMPROVEMENT AT EWOOD PARK

Cardiff return from the international break against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

The Bluebirds celebrating against Coventry City.

The Opposition:

In the summer, Blackburn lost key men Ben Brereton Diaz, Thomas Kaminski and Bradley Dack. Rovers however made some impressive signings in their place as they added James Hill from Bournemouth, Leopold Wahlstedt from Odds Ballklubb, Andrew Moran from Brighton, Semir Telalovic from Borussia Monchengladbach, Arnor Sigurdsson from CSKA Moscow, Sondre Tronstad from Vitesse and Niall Ennis from Plymouth.

Tomasson is a very modern manager. He often dons a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1 formation which focuses on build-up play, and fast and devastating attacks. Build-up play consists of short, sharp passes that cut through enemy lines, but the report details how Tomasson’s side isn’t immune to playing effective long balls when the space opens up behind the defence. Within this four-strong midfield, which often defends as a flat line, it makes it extremely difficult for the opposition to break past that midfield four, offering a higher defensive line with the two attacking players then chasing the ball down.

The Bluebirds:

The Bluebirds didn't end the best before the break with two underwhelming performances against Watford and Middlesbrough. Cardiff sit 8th in the table as it stands and are just three points off 3rd place.

Due to Blackburn's tendency to keep the ball, I could see The Bluebirds doing most of their good work on the counter-attack. I could see Cardiff soaking up Rovers' pressure and then pouncing with the likes of Karlan Grant and Josh Bowler.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Yakou Meite is back available for The Bluebirds. Kion Etete just misses out this weekend. Ramsey and O'Dowda remain out.

Blackburn Rovers - Andrew Moran picked up a knock whilst on international duty, so he will be assessed ahead of this fixture. Ryan Hedges and Aynsley Pears are out.

Preferred XI:

GK - Jak Alnwick

LB - Jamilu Collins

LCB - Mark McGuinness

RCB - Dimitrios Goutas

RB - Perry Ng

CDM - Manolis Siopis

LCM - Joe Ralls

RCM - Romaine Sawyers

RW - Josh Bowler

LW - Karlan Grant

ST - Yakou Meite

Prediction:

Blackburn 0-1 Cardiff City

I feel The Bluebirds could just edge Blackburn in this one. Rovers have conceded the second most amount of goals in the Championship this season, therefore I could see The Bluebirds scoring at least one this weekend.

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