Cardiff City travel to fellow Championship side Birmingham City in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The Opposition:
Birmingham have overseen a big summer rebuild with many departures in the summer such as Jobe Bellingham and Tahith Chong. However, Blues have recruited well bringing in Ethan Laird from Manchester United, Tyler Roberts from Leeds, Jay Stansfield from Fulham, former Bluebird Dion Sanderson from Wolves, Koji Miyoshi from Royal Antwerp, Krystian Bielik from Derby, Siriki Dembele from Birmingham, Keshi Anderson from Blackpool and Lee Buchanan from Werder Bremen.
John Eustace has operated with a 4-2-3-1 this season with Blues conceding possession to the opposition and hitting sides on the break. This system has clearly worked so far as his side comes into this fixture on the back of four wins.
Birmingham are still recruiting for defenders before the deadline on Friday, but it's unlikely any more names will come in before tomorrow's meeting.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this fixture after their first Championship win on the weekend. The Bluebirds claimed all three points in dramatic fashion as Ryan Wintle put away a composed penalty in the 97th minute to seal a victory in front of The Bluebirds faithful.
Considering how Blues play it's likely The Bluebirds will enjoy a fair amount of possession, something they're still getting to grips with as they've previously struggled to play this way. However, Cardiff's second-half outing against Sheffield Wednesday was encouraging as The Bluebirds were effective with the ball, scoring two goals.
Cardiff are in a similar place to Birmingham in the market; a defender is wanted however, it's unlikely that will happen before tomorrow's game. This afternoon, Serdar Aziz's name has been mentioned as a possible defensive signing however it's doubtful that will materialise before the game.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Mahlon Romeo will be back in contention after his suspension. Ryan Allsop a doubt after Erol Bulut confirmed he is set to depart. Ollie Tanner pushing to start after impressing in his cameos.
Birmingham City - Marcel Oakley and Tyler Roberts are doubts after picking up injuries earlier in the season. Alfie Chang is out after picking up a significant knee injury. Ethan Laird and Siriki Dembele missed The Blues last fixture due to injury so their availability is yet unknown.
Prediction:
Blues typically play a fully strengthened team in the cup so a rotation Cardiff side could struggle. However, with The Bluebirds attacking options they could hurt The Blues. The Bluebirds are likely to control the game but will have to be careful not to get complacent with the ball as Birmingham will capitalise.
Preferred XI:
GK - Alex Runarsson
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Jack Simpson
RCB - Ebou Adams
RB - Mahlon Romeo
RDM - Romaine Sawyers
LDM - Andy Rinomhota
CAM - Rubin Colwill
LW - Callum Robinson
RW - Ollie Tanner
ST - Karlan Grant
Score Prediction:
Birmingham City 1-1 Cardiff City
I could see another penalty shootout for The Bluebirds. I expect Blues to get an early goal, but The Bluebirds will hit back late on after controlling the game.
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