Cardiff City return to the Welsh Capital as they host Paul Heckingbottom's Preston North End.
The Opposition:
Preston had a steady 23/24 season. Finishing in a respectable tenth position in the Championship.
Ryan Lowe oversaw North End's summer business, recruiting Josh Bowler from Nottingham Forest, Sam Greenwood from Leeds, Jeppe Okkels from Utrecht, Kaine Kesler-Hayden from Aston Villa and Stefan Teitur Thordarson from Silkeborg IF. Lowe departed after Preston's opening day defeat, and replaced by Paul Heckingbottom.
Heckingbottom prefers to play with a fast tempo, focusing on quick transitions with an emphasis on pressing, work rate and fitness. Heckingbottom has a core group of players he trusts, but won’t shy away from making big calls. The former Leeds boss has favoured a 3-4-2-1 since his arrival at Preston.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one on the back of a solid point against Coventry. Goals from Yakou Meite and Alex Robertson weren't enough for all three points after a controversial penalty call late on. Since that afternoon at the CBS, Cardiff City have confirmed the permanent appointment of Omer Riza until the end of the season.
City will have to exploit the space left centrally by Preston, The likelihood is Cardiff will have an overload in the middle, therefore they will have to use the ball well in central areas, whilst staying calculated in wide areas.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Anwar El Ghazi is back available for The Bluebirds. Isaak Davies, Aaron Ramsey and Kion Etete remain out.
Preston - Clean bill of health for Preston North End.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RCB - Calum Chambers
CB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Jesper Daland
RM - Ollie Tanner
RCM - Alex Robertson
LCM - Manolis Siopis
LM - Callum O'Dowda
RAM - Rubin Colwill
LAM - Anwar El Ghazi
ST - Yakou Meite
Predictions:
Cardiff City 2-0 Preston
I expect somewhat of a bounce under Omer Riza now. This is a must win for The Bluebirds.
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