Cardiff City host Régis Le Bris' Sunderland in The Bluebirds' first competitive game of the 24/25 season.
The Opposition:
After a fairly bright start last season, Sunderland spent the majority of the second half of the season ruing the decision sacking Tony Mowbray. Despite looking a legitimate play-off suitor at a point, The Black Cats fell off under Michael Beale and Mike Dodds, with Sunderland finishing 16th. Perhaps not best representative of the quality in the ranks at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland ended their long manager search when The Black Cats confirmed the appointment of Régis Le Bris. The Frenchman joins Sunderland following relegation with Lorient. Le Bris has added to the squad with the additions of Alan Browne, Ian Poveda, Blondy Nna Noukeu and former Bluebird Simon Moore. The Black Cats have also kept the likes of Jack Clarke, Dan Ballard, Jobe Bellingham and Trai Hume, despite interest.
Régis Le Bris says he will be ‘flexible depending on the opponent’, but will mainly focus on an attacking approach. Le Bris is expected to operate with a back four, despite using a back three in France. The 48 year-old is strong on playing from the back. Le Bris has been praised in recent times for his tactical versatility. The new Sunderland boss prefers to see his side play with the ball in their own half, in order to outnumber the opposition's press.
The Bluebirds:
A fresh start for The Bluebirds as a new season begins with fans full of optimism once again. Erol Bulut has added Chris Willock, Calum Chambers, Wilfired Kanga, Anwar El Ghazi and Alex Robertson so far this window. Bulut has also been open on improving The Bluebirds' style of play as he looks for more front foot football this season.
Cardiff will have to be aggressive in the press and force Sunderland into mistakes. Ultimately it's a valorous style Le Bris is attempting with The Black Cats, Cardiff need to make the most of Sunderland in their adapting stage. The Bluebirds' press will be make or break in this one.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Alex Robertson is likely to be available from the bench. Isaak Davies, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Kion Etete and Jamilu Collins are out. Anwar El Ghazi, Mahlon Romeo and Mark McGuinness' availability unclear.
Sunderland - Dan Ballard is unavailable for Sunderland, as well as new signing Ian Poveda. Leo Hjelde a doubt. Seelt, Ekwah, Higgins and Triantis also out.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Calum Chambers
LB - Callum O'Dowda
CDM - Manolis Siopis
LCM - David Turnbull
RCM - Aaron Ramsey
RW - Rubin Colwill
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Callum Robinson
Prediction:
Cardiff City 1-1 Sunderland
Two sides adjusting to different systems, I see both sides having their fair share of chances. I see it ending in a draw but an entertaining affair.
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