CARDIFF BACK IN CUP ACTION

ccfcinsider
Aug 25
3 min read

Cardiff City return to the Welsh Capital as they host Michael Flynn's Cheltenham Town in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.

The Opposition:

Under the guidance of Mike Flynn, The Robins had a steady 24/25 season finishing 15th in League Two. However, Cheltenham have had a nightmare start to the new season, as they sit bottom of League Two after five games.

As Flynn and Cheltenham look to kick on this season, they have added George Harmon from Ross County, Josh Martin from Newport County, Ryan Broom from Fleetwood Town, Robbie Cundy from Notts County, Lee Angol from Morecambe, Taine Anderson from Bristol City, Jake Bickerstaff from Wrexham, Jokūbas Mažionis from Ipswich and James Wilson from Bristol Rovers to their ranks this summer.

Mike Flynn’s Cheltenham Town side plays with a high press and usually two strikers, aiming to win the ball in advanced areas and create more scoring chances. He mixes direct football with possession play, adapting to his squad and opponents rather than sticking rigidly to one style. Above all, he prioritises work ethic, togetherness, and resilience to compete despite budget limitations.

The Bluebirds:

Cardiff come into this one on the back of a paramount victory over Luton Town. A goal from Chris Willock was enough to cap off a great away performance from The Bluebirds.

City will control possession in this one, and will look to be aggressive and ruthless to make the most of the ball. I expect Cardiff to continue their tenacious off the ball work as well.

Opposition Player To Watch:

Both wide players Ethon Archer and Jordan Thomas are dangerous. Archer is direct and quick and is tricky. The 22 year-old enjoyed a breakout year last campaign, netting eight and setting up six in all competitions.

Archer has worked his way through the non-league system, turning out for the likes of Whyteleafe, Bedfont Sports, Sutton Common Rovers, Horley Town, Raynes Park Vale, Three Bridges, Torquay United and now Cheltenham Town. However their is plenty of interest higher up the food chain in the skilful winger.

Last Meeting:

Cardiff City 2-1 Cheltenham Town (2003)

It's been a long while since these two sides have met in a competitive fixture. The last time these sides did meet was in Division Two, with City running out winners.

Peter Thorne gave the Bluebirds an early advantage before John Finnigan levelled the encounter 19 minutes in. Rob Earnshaw gave City the lead again, with what would turn out to be the winner after 36 minutes.

Team News:

Cardiff City - David Turnbull a doubt for this one. Alex Robertson and Perry Ng expected to get their first minutes of the season. Ollie Tanner remains out.

Cheltenham Town - The Robins could have Tommy Blackwell and Robbie Cundy back available. Jordan Thomas a doubt for the visitors. Taine Anderson, James Wilson, Tom King and Harry Pell out injured for the hosts.

Preferred XI:

GK - Matt Turner

RB - Perry Ng

RCB - Calum Chambers

LCB - Will Fish

LB - Dakarai Mafico

CDM - Eli King

RCM - Alex Robertson

LCM - Joel Colwill

RW - Isaak Davies

LW - Tanatswa Nyakuhwa

ST - Callum Robinson