Cardiff City remain on the road as they travel to face John Mousinho's Portsmouth.
The Opposition:
Portsmouth had a slow start to the season, but have turned a corner since December, particularly at home. Pompey remain in the fight, but look more positive than some in the mix at the moment.
The core principles we have seen from Mousinho’s time in charge at Fratton Park.
Short & patient build-up, Intense pressing, Switching the play, Dominating possession, High defensive line, Wide triangles and Set-piece domination. Mousinho likes his team to build from the back in a slow & patient manner, waiting for the opportunity to find passing options that open up by players moving into space or an opposition player jumping out to press the ball-carrier.
Pompey sit 20th ahead of this one, and could move as high as 18th with a victory, as well as leapfrogging The Bluebirds.
The Bluebirds:
City come into this one on the back of an entertaining FA Cup victory. The Bluebirds drew 3-3 in normal time against Stoke City, with a brace from Rubin Colwill, as well as a goal from Yousef Salech. City advanced after a 4-2 Penalty Shootout victory.
It will be a difficult game for The Bluebirds, as Pompey will look to get at Cardiff. City will have to recreate what they did so well in possession against Stoke, pick the pockets, be intense and be clinical.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Jesper Daland a doubt. Isaak Davies, David Turnbull, Ollie Tanner and Ronan Kpakio remain out.
Portsmouth - Paddy Lane, Ibane Bowat, Jordan Williams, Regan Poole, Kusini Yengi and Jacob Farrell all out for the hosts.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Andy Rinomhota
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Will Fish
LB - Callum O'Dowda
RDM - Calum Chambers
LDM - Sivert Mannsverk
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Anwar El Ghazi
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Callum Robinson
Prediction:
Portsmouth 1-1 Cardiff City
People may underestimate how difficult going to Fratton Park is, this will be an extremely difficult game for City, and I'd be chuffed to come away with a point.
Comments