Cardiff City are back on the road as they make the trip to St. Andrews to face Gary Rowett's Birmingham City.
The Opposition:
After seeing a summer overhaul under John Eustace, Blues had a promising start and looked set for a season battling in the top half, however the decision was made to relieve Eustace of his duties and hand the job to Wayne Rooney. Things never clicked under Rooney, under Rooney Blues slid further and further down the table. The Manchester United legend was then sacked and replaced by Tony Mowbray. Mowbray took charge of fourteen games before being forced to step away for the remainder of the season on medical grounds. The 60 year-old has been replaced by Gary Rowett for the remainder of the season, Rowett has overseen one win and two defeats thus far.
Rowett has always stuck with a 4-2-3-1 throughout his managerial career. Rowett’s defensive shape is a simple exercise in filling space and utilising the pace of his attackers. The 50 year-old is a simple manager, with a simple style and philosophy. Rowett teaches his side the basics, instilled a fight and spirit in his side which provided the springboard for both motivation and achievement amongst his players.
Blues sit 22nd ahead of this one, and a win would see them move up to as far as 19th.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one on the back of a frustrating 3-1 defeat to Hull City on the weekend. The Bluebirds layed two great opportunities to Hull who made no mistake, as well as a well worked goal. Cardiff will look to put things right as they look to end the season strong.
Considering Rowett's style, there's a good chance Cardiff could have the majority of possession, something that has offered a mix bag this season, at times The Bluebirds play some nice stuff, however are also capable of playing some really boring football at times that doesn't result to much.
Cardiff come into this one 11th in the Championship.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Rubin Colwill is back in contention for this one. Ryan Wintle likely to miss out again. Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Mark McGuinness, Jak Alnwick, Callum O'Dowda and Kion Etete out.
Birmingham City - Birmingham are to be without Lukas Jutkiewicz, Marc Roberts and Oliver Burke and Alfie Chang.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Nat Phillips
LCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LB - Jamilu Collins
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - David Turnbull
RW - Ollie Tanner
LW - Karlan Grant
ST - Callum Robinson
Score Prediction:
Birmingham City 1-2 Cardiff City
I could see The Bluebirds just edging this one out and getting the three points. I think perhaps individual quality will shine through against a Blues side that are bound to be low on confidence.
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