The Bluebirds welcome Bristol City to the Welsh Capital as Cardiff seek to make it back-to-back wins against The Robins.
The Opposition:
Experienced manager Nigel Pearson is currently at the helm, and has made some impressive summer signings, bringing in Rob Dickie from QPR, Taylor Gardner-Hickman from West Brom, Lewis Thomas from Forest Green, Jason Knight from Derby, Hayden Roberts from Brighton and Ross McCorie from Aberdeen.
The Robins switch between the 4-3-3 and the 5-3-2 with the latter being used when Pearson's side doesn't have much of the ball. The Robins are a side that tries to make the most of set pieces with big men like Rob Dickie and Kal Naismith being big threats. With an average possession of 46%, Bristol City are not a hugely possession-focused side and are not afraid to mix it up; The Robins can be a direct side at times but are also capable of playing some nice stuff.
The Bluebirds:
It was the perfect performance from The Bluebirds in midweek as they ran out 4-0 winners against Huddersfield. The Terriers had a torrid evening at the back, with forwards Yakou Meite, Callum Robinson and Josh Bowler on their A game.
I could see The Bluebirds setting up similarly, not necessarily dominating the ball, however, when they do pick up possession they will turn from defence to attack quickly and attack in numbers with the pace of The Bluebirds wide-men.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Despite coming off injured in midweek, Josh Bowler is available. Kion Etete's availability is unknown. Ramsey and O'Dowda remain out.
Bristol City - Zak Vyner, Ayman Benarous, Kal Naismith, Nahki Wells, George Tanner, Rob Atkinson, Ross McCorie and Matty James are all out. Andy King and Haydon Roberts are doubtful after going off injured in midweek.
Preferred XI:
GK - Alex Runarsson
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Mark McGuinness
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RB - Perry Ng
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Callum Robinson
LW - Karlan Grant
RW - Josh Bowler
ST - Yakou Meite
Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-0 Bristol City
Despite The Robins being an energetic side, I think The Bluebirds strength in depth could play a key role in this one. I see The Bluebirds strength off the bench being just too much for Bristol City.
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