CARDIFF SEEK TO GET BACK ON TRACK

ccfcinsider
Dec 24, 2025
3 min read

Cardiff City return to the Welsh Capital as they host Gary Caldwell's Exeter City.

The Opposition:

Exeter have lingered near the bottom of the division for the majority of the season, failing to put a run of form together thus far. The Grecians have shown glimpses of quality so far this season, in wins against Lincoln City and Barnsley.

Caldwell favours a back-three system, with disciplined defensive organisation and wingbacks providing width. His style blends measured build-up and width with pragmatism, adapting formations to suit players and opposition. He emphasises mentality, work rate, and resilience, aiming to instil belief and toughness in his squads.

The Grecians sit 20th ahead of this one, just a position above the relegation places. A win in the Welsh capital could move Caldwell's side as high as 14th.

The Bluebirds:

Cardiff come into this one on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat against 2nd place Lincoln City. The Imps were the beneficiaries of an Alex Robertson own goal just before the break. Perry Ng equalised with a stunning goal, before a Sonny Bradley header sealed the victory for the home side.

City's style could pull Caldwell’s compact 3-5-2 out of shape by overloading wide areas and rotating midfielders to stretch the back three. Cardiff’s calm build-up and central line-breaking passes would limit Caldwell’s transitions and exploit gaps between midfield and defence.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Since his summer move from Reading, Jayden Wareham has caught the eye at Exeter and is already on his best goal-scoring season of his career so far. Wareham is a direct, hardworking striker who presses aggressively, makes sharp runs in behind, and looks to attack the box with pace and physicality.

Wareham's career began with Woking, before being signed by Chelsea after a successful trial. The striker had a failed loan move to Leyton Orient, before completing a permanent move to Reading. After two seasons at The Royals, Wareham joined Exeter in the summer. The 22 year-old has netted nine goals in all competitions so far this season.

Last Meeting:

Exeter City 0-1 Cardiff (2025)

These two sides last league clash came twenty-three years ago, but the City ran out winners when the two met in the Vertu Trophy in September.

A second half header from Callum Robinson was enough to seal City's first three points in the tournament, that they inevitably exited in the Round of 32.

Team News:

Cardiff City - This one comes just too soon for Jak Alnwick's return. David Turnbull, Nathan Trott, Joel Bagan, Calum Chambers and Will Fish all doubtful for City. Gabriel Osho, Rubin Colwill and Eli King remain out for Cardiff.

Exeter City - Carlos Mendes Gomes a doubt for Exeter. Ryan Rydel, Johnly Yfeko, Josh Magennis, Ed Turns and Danny Andrew all out for the visitors.

Preferred XI:

GK - Matt Turner

RB - Ronan Kpakio

RCB - Perry Ng

LCB - Dylan Lawlor

LB - Luey Giles

CDM - Ryan Wintle

CM - Alex Robertson

CAM - Omari Kellyman

RW - Cian Ashford

LW - Chris Willock

ST - Yousef Salech