Cardiff City remain on the road as the travel to face in-form Sheffield Wednesday.
The Opposition:
Spanish boss Xisco Munoz oversaw The Owls' summer business and was given the tricky task of keeping Sheffield Wednesday away from the relegation places. Wednesday were given a touch opening few games with the likes of Southampton, Preston and Hull, unsuprisingly The Owls were convincingly beaten on each occasion. Things didn't get better as losses against Cardiff, Ipswich, Swansea, Sunderland and West Brom followed, meaning in October the Spaniard was given his marching orders. Sheffield Wednesday wasted no time as they appointed highly rated German coach Danny Rohl, who has previous experience with RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and the German National Team. Rohl brought the club's first victory of the season in late October as they beat Rotherham at Hillsborough. The Owls followed that up by going four winless, however, a draw against Leicester seemed to be turning point as that draw led to Wednesday winning three of their next four games.
Rohl's principles are non negotiable as he allows his players freedom to express themselves within a dynamic team. Rohl isn't necessairly a possession-focused coach, he focuses more on staying compact and being a hard team to break down. Will Vaulks has become a key player since the German's arrival and is back to playing at the top of his game, his energetic style suits Rohl's system down to the ground. As well as Vaulks, young forward Bailey Cadamarteri has relished his opportunity since Rohl's arrival with three goals in his last four games.
After a turn in form, The Owls sit 23rd in the Championship table.
The Bluebirds:
On the other hand, things haven't been going so well for Erol Bulut's men in recent weeks. The Bluebirds were handed yet another defeat on the weekend as they lost 3-0 to Hull City, a game where The Bluebirds were totally outclassed. However, they will look to change their fortunes as they face Sheffield Wednesday, a side they have already beaten this season.
It's hard to pinpoint an identity at the moment with The Bluebirds. However, in this one I think the possession will be shared between the two sides, it's just about who does the most with it. The one department The Bluebirds are significantly better than Wednesday in is pace, this will be game changing for Cardiff if it's used correctly.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Perry Ng will be assessed after feeling a pain in training. Ramsey and O'Dowda remain out. Ralls and Wintle's availability is yet unknown.
Sheffield Wednesday - John Buckley is out for the hosts. Forwards Josh Windass, Michael Smith and Mallik Wilks are out for the hosts. Momo Diaby also out. Callum Paterson and Bambo Diaby are available after coming off injured in The Owls' last game.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RB - Perry Ng
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Callum Robinson
LW - Karlan Grant
RW - Josh Bowler
ST - Kion Etete
Prediction:
Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Cardiff City
I think bare in mind the two sides current form, a point would be a decent outcome for The Bluebirds. I see Cardiff taking an early lead, however will be pegged back in the second half.
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