Cardiff City host managerless Plymouth as they seek to make it back-to-back wins.
The Opposition:
Steven Schumacher guided Plymouth to promotion last season and oversaw a busy summer window. The 39 year-old brought in Bali Mumba from Norwich, Morgan Whittaker from Swansea, Conor Hazard from Celtic, Julio Pleguezuelo from FC Twente, Lewis Gibson from Everton, Kaine Kesler-Hayden from Aston Villa, Lewis Warrington from Everton, Finn Azaz from Aston Villa, Luke Cundle from Wolves and Mustapha Bundu from Anderlecht. Despite a steady start, fans at Home Parrk were stunned as Schumacher departed to join fellow Championship outfit Stoke City. Plymouth are yet to announce a successor.
Kevin Nancekivell was in charge last time out in a 3-3 draw against Birmingham City. The Pilgrims setup with a 4-3-3 and controlled play, ending the game with 67% possession. The majority of Plymouth's attacks were built down the flanks with dangermen Morgan Whittaker and Bali Mumba. Plymouth were good on the ball however poor in duels, something The Bluebirds should seek to exploit.
After a steady start, Plymouth sit 17th in the Championship table.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff pulled off a good win on the road last time out as they beat an in-form Sheffield Wednesday. Despite not being at their best, The Bluebirds made the most of The Owls' poor defending. A much improved second half performance, something Cardiff will look to carry into this one.
I see the possession being shared in this one, however, Cardiff will need to show more urgency than in recent weeks and look to break Plymouth's lines quickly. Cardiff will have to be direct on the flanks and use their pace to their advantage.
Team News:
Cardiff City - The Bluebirds will be without Ike Ugbo who's suffering with a hamstring injury. Ramsey and O'Dowda remain out.
Plymouth Argyle - Cooper, Hardie, Earley out for the visitors. Dan Scarr suspended.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RB - Perry Ng
LDM - Joe Ralls
RDM - Ryan Wintle
CAM - Karlan Grant
LW - Ollie Tanner
RW - Yakou Meite
ST - Kion Etete
Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-1 Plymouth Argyle
I see it being far from a pretty game but I think Cardiff might have just too much for The Pilgrims.
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