The Bluebirds are back on the road as they travel to face Alex Neil's Millwall at The Den.
Millwall have had a fairly mixed start to the season. Showing promise in home wins against Leeds and Burnley but have struggled for consistency. In December, Neil Harris resigned from his post, and was replaced by Alex Neil. The 43 year-old has taken charge of four games so far, winning one, drawing one and losing twice.
Neil's teams tend to employ a high pressing game, especially when out of possession. His players press the opposition high up the field to win the ball back quickly, forcing mistakes and disrupting the opponent's build-up play. Alex Neil encourages a fast, direct style of play, often favouring vertical passes rather than possession-heavy football. His teams typically aim to move the ball up the field quickly, with an emphasis on getting the ball into attacking areas, often through long balls or quick switches of play. While his teams press high, Neil also stresses the importance of having a well-organized defence. His sides are typically compact and disciplined, with players expected to track back quickly and defend from the front.
The Lions sit 17th ahead of this one, and could move as high as 14th with a victory.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff City come into this one after a Derby Day demolishing of Swansea, as The Bluebirds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, with a brace from Callum Robinson and a bullet header from Dimitrios Goutas.
Cardiff will look to continue to be compact out of possession and damage teams on the break. City will have to utilise the pace in the wide areas, given Neil's emphasis on central play, it could allow The Bluebirds space in the wide areas.
Cardiff City - Callum O'Dowda a doubt. Roko Simic, Aaron Ramsey, Isaak Davies, David Turnbull and Ronan Kpakio out injured.
Millwall - Josh Coburn and Aidomo Emakhu out injured for the hosts. Ryan Wintle unavailable.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Andy Rinomhota
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Jesper Daland
LB - Joel Bagan
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Calum Chambers
CAM - Alex Robertson
RW - Cian Ashford
LW - Ollie Tanner
ST - Callum Robinson
Prediction:
Millwall 1-1 Cardiff City
The Bluebirds have always struggled at The Den, so I'd be chuffed to come away with a point.
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