Cardiff City are on the road for the first time this season, as they travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Opposition:
The Clarets returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Vincent Kompany in convincing fashion. However, Burnley struggled with the step-up and inevitably were relegated with just five league wins all season, and losing twenty-four games. Following The Clarets' relegation, Kompany departed to join German giants Bayern Munich.
Scott Parker was chosen as Kompany's successor, following success with Fulham and Bournemouth in the Championship previously. Parker has added to his squad with the signings of Mike Tresor from Genk, Andreas Hountondji from Caen, Lucas Pires from Santos, Shurandy Sambo from PSV, Vaclav Hladky from Ipswich, Etienne Green from Saint-Etienne and Maxime Esteve from Montpellier.
Parker instructs his side to play with the same tactical principles regardless of the shape he employs, though his preference for a single-pivoted 4-3-3 has been evident throughout his managerial career. Parker’s sides press the opposition high up the pitch, dominate the ball for long periods and rarely go direct.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one on the back of a victory in the Carabao Cup. Goals from Mark McGuinness and Rubin Colwill were enough to see The Bluebirds see of League One Bristol Rovers. City dominated the game, and sparked into life in the second half with a trio of substitution changing the game.
The Bluebirds are going to have to be compact and hit Burnley on the break. These type of games brought the most out of Cardiff last season, but The Bluebirds will need to be more clinical in limited chances this season.
Team News:
Cardiff City - David Turnbull, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Isaak Davies, Jamilu Collins, Kion Etete and Anwar El Ghazi out for The Bluebirds.
Burnley - Aaron Ramsey, Mike Tresor, Sander Berge and Nathan Redmond out for the hosts. Zeki Amdouni's availability is unknown. A late decision to be made on Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Calum Chambers
LCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LB - Callum O'Dowda
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Aaron Ramsey
RW - Yakou Meite
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Wilfried Kanga
Prediction:
Burnley 2-1 Cardiff City
I could see City taking an early lead, but Burnley's relentless pressure seeing the hosts hit a quick fire double in the second half to seal all three points.
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