Cardiff City open the new year with a trip to Loftus Road to face Queens Park Rangers.
The Opposition:
Gareth Ainsworth oversaw The R's at the start of the season. After QPR's win at the CCS in the last meeting between the two in the second game of the season, Ainsworth won just one more game before being dismissed in late October. QPR moved swiftly to appoint Marti Cifuentes from Swedish outfit Hammarby. Cifuentes lost just one of his first seven in charge of The R's, picking up three wins in that time as well. As of late things have taken a turn, QPR have not won in their last five having lost three of those games.
Cifuentes is a proactive coach who demands a lot from his sides. Since his arrival, QPR have enjoyed a lot more possession in games. The Catalan manager typically lines up in a 4-3-3 with a deep lying playmaker - which is typically Sam Field. When out of possession, The R's look to press quick and regain the ball quickly.
Due to a recent change in fortune, QPR now sit 22nd in the Championship.
The Bluebirds:
It was a rather frustrating game last time out, as The Bluebirds were convincingly beaten by league leaders Leicester City. Cardiff were weak in the press and didn't show much urgency when going forward, something they will seek to change against QPR.
I see both sides sharing possession in this one, whether Cardiff will make the most of that is too be seen. The Bluebirds will need more intesity than in the last two games if they want to get anything out of this one. Rubin Colwill could be key in unlocking The R's backline.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Grant out after picking up an injury last time out. O'Dowda, Ugbo and Ramsey remain out.
Queens Park Rangers - Colback is back available for The R's. Fox out for the hosts. Ilias Chair and Steve Cook's availability is unknown as both went off injured in QPR's last game.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
LB - Jamilu Collins
LDM - Ryan Wintle
RDM - Manolis Siopis
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Yakou Meite
LW - Ollie Tanner
ST - Kion Etete
Prediction:
Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Cardiff City
I feel QPR are there for the taking, however Cardiff won't be able to make the most of it and will have to settle for a point at Loftus Road.
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