CARDIFF LOOK TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

ccfcinsider
Jan 26
2 min read

Cardiff City look to return to winning ways as they host Conor Hourihane's Barnsley.

Ollie Tanner and Chris Willock embracing.

The Opposition:

Barnsley were inconsistent throughout the 24/25 season, leading to twelfth place finish. Current boss Conor Hourihane took over from Darrell Clarke in March 2025.

The Tykes were active in the window adding David McGoldrick from Notts County, Reyes Cleary from West Brom, Tennai Watson from Charlton Athletic, Patrick Kelly from West Ham, Nathaniel Ogbeta from Plymouth Argyle. Jake Rooney and Caylan Vickers also made summer loan moves to Barnsley, but have since returned to their respective parent clubs. Hourihane has added Eoghan O'Connell from Wrexham, Owen Goodman from Crystal Palace and Charlie Lennon from Middlesbrough so far in the winter window.

Hourihane emphasizes a disciplined, possession-based style of play, prioritizing control of the midfield and quick transitions. He focuses on building a strong team ethos with tactical flexibility, adjusting formations to exploit the opponent's weaknesses while maintaining a solid defensive structure.

The Bluebirds:

City come into this on the back of a 1-1 draw with Stockport County. Joel Colwill cancelled out Kyle Wootton's early goal, with both sides failing to make a breakthrough and were forced to share the points.

City could disrupt Conor Hourihane's possession-based approach by using high pressing and fast transitions, disrupting the build-up play while exploiting space left open by an overcommitted midfield.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Keillor-Dunn is the Tykes' talisman, and is one of the best strikers the EFL has to offer. The 28 year-old’s playstyle is characterized by direct, dynamic attacking runs, sharp movement off the ball, and a keen eye for finishing, often drifting between the lines to create goal-scoring opportunities or link up play.

Born in Sunderland, Keillor-Dunn's professional career started in Scotland with Ross County. After a loan spell at Falkirk, the striker completed a permanent move to Wrexham. Keillor-Dunn would swiftly depart the Red Dragons, joining Oldham Athletic. After a successful spell with The Latics, Keillor-Dunn would join Burton Albion. After just half a year at The Brewers, Keillor-Dunn joined Mansfield Town. Keillor-Dunn shone at The Stags, earning a move to Barnsley in the summer of 2024. The striker has netted fourteen goals so far this season.

Last Meeting:

Barnsley 0-1 Cardiff City (2022)

The last time these two sides met the circumstances were very different, with both sides firmly in a relegation scrap. Debutant Uche Ikpeazu stole the headlines, sealing the victory for The Bluebirds.

Ikpeazu got on the end of an Aden Flint long ball, and held off two players before guiding an effort into the bottom corner, confirming all three points for Steve Morison's Cardiff.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Yousef Salech and Dylan Lawlor doubtful. Rubin Colwill and Eli King remain out injured.

Barnsley - Luca Connell returns from suspension. Jack Shepherd doubtful. Josh Earl out injured.

Preferred XI:

GK - Nathan Trott

RB - Ronan Kpakio

RCB - Gabriel Osho

LCB - Calum Chambers

LB - Joel Bagan

CDM - Ryan Wintle

CM - Joel Colwill

CAM - Omari Kellyman