The Bluebirds welcome 19th place Millwall to the CCS as they seek to return to winning ways.
The Opposition:
Gary Rowett oversaw recruitment at The Lions this summer as he brought in Ryan Longman from Hull, Allan Campbell from Luton, Brooke Norton-Cuffy from Arsenal, Matija Sarkic from Wolves, Wes Harding from Rotherham, Casper de Norre from OH Leuven, Kevin Nisbet from Hibernian, and Joe Bryan from Fulham. After an average start to the season, Rowett's time at Millwall came to an abrupt end as he departed The Lions after four years. Joe Edwards was chose as his successor, this is the 37 year-old's first senior manager role.
Edwards is demanding a more front footed and proactive in the final third. Edwards has setup with a 4-4-2 in every game as Lions boss so far and wants his side to be better on the ball. There's now an emphasis on creating patterns and making the opponents suffer along with nice football.
Things haven't been plain sailing for the new Lions boss as he has lost two and drawn one of his opening four games in charge. This has left Millwall 19th in the Championship table.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one with a similair record in recent weeks. One win in five as things currently stand. The Bluebirds were convincingly beaten by a dominant Southampton last time out.
I could see The Bluebirds controlling possession in this one, they mist break the lines at speed and be proactive in the final third if they wish to be successful. Wingers will be key in this one as Millwall look helpless against directness and pace so far this season, something the likes of Josh Bowler and Ollie Tanner have in an abundance.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Clean bill of health except for long term absentees Callum O'Dowda and Aaron Ramsey who remain out.
Millwall - Jake Cooper and George Saville are suspended for this one. Joe Bryan and Casper de Norre to miss out through injury.
Preferred XI:
GK - Alex Runarsson
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RB - Perry Ng
LDM - Joe Ralls
RDM - Manolis Siopis
CAM - Rubin Colwill
LW - Karlan Grant
RW - Josh Bowler
ST - Kion Etete
Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-1 Millwall
I don't see it being a pretty game of football, but, I do think The Bluebirds have enough fire power just to edge this one.
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