CARDIFF LOOK TO BUILD ON WIN
- ccfcinsider
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Cardiff City are back in the Welsh Capital as they host Nigel Clough's Mansfield Town.
The Opposition:
After an impressive start to the 24/25 campaign, Mansfield were largely inconsistent, finishing in 17th at the end of the season.
The Stags saw several players depart over the summer and therefore were active. Mansfield added Tyler Roberts from Birmingham City, Max Dickov from Brentford, Luke Bolton from Wrexham, Liam Roberts from Millwall, Ryan Sweeney from Burton Albion, Kyle Knoyle from Stockport County, Nathan Moriah-Welsh from Hibernian, Regan Hendry from Tranmere Rovers, Kyle McAdam, Jamie McDonnell and Joe Gardner from Nottingham Forest
Clough’s teams are typically organised, hardworking, and disciplined, with a focus on defensive structure and maintaining shape. In possession, his sides favour direct, pragmatic play—pressing smartly, using wide areas, and prioritising efficiency over flair.
The Bluebirds:
City come into this one on the back of a 3-1 away victory over Northampton Town. Joel Colwill gave Cardiff an early lead, before Ethan Wheatley equalised for the hosts, before he stuck one in his own net. Chris Willock added a third late on to seal all three points for The Bluebirds.
Barry-Murphy side could counter Clough’s pragmatism by dominating possession at a high tempo, using fluid rotations and width to disrupt his defensive shape and create overloads.
Opposition Player to Watch:
Jamie McDonnell has caught the eye since stepping up from League Two to League One this season. McDonnell wins the ball back, and provides a strong, composed base for his side’s midfield.
The midfielder is a product of the Nottingham Forest Academy. McDonnell's first taste of senior football came last season with Colchester United, before joining Mansfield Town this summer.
Last Meeting:
Mansfield Town 1-4 Cardiff City (2018)
The last meeting between these two sides was an FA Cup replay, where City smashed The Stags to earn themselves a tie against Manchester City.
Bruno Manga opened the scoring for The Bluebirds, before Danny Rose tied the game. Second half goals from Junior Hoilett and Anthony Pilkington were enough to seal the victory for Cardiff.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Joel Colwill a major doubt for City. Rubin Colwill out for The Bluebirds. Ollie Tanner and Eli King also remain out.
Mansfield Town - Max Dickov, Rhys Oates, Lucas Akins, Luke Bolton and Billy Cargill out for the visitors.
Preferred XI:
GK - Nathan Trott
RB - Ronan Kpakio
RCB - Calum Chambers
LCB - Dylan Lawlor
LB - Joel Bagan
CDM - Ryan Wintle
CM - Alex Robertson
CAM - Callum Robinson
RW - Omari Kellyman
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Yousef Salech
Score Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-1 Mansfield Town
This will be a tough one, and I could see it playing out similarly to when City faced Reading last month, and I'm hopeful Cardiff will make the most of their moments.
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