Cardiff City's journey post Erol Bulut begins as The Bluebirds travel to face Tim Walter's Hull City.
The Opposition:
Hull had a fairly good start last season, but really kicked on in the second half of the season after a flurry of high calibre signings. The Tigers narrowly missed out on the play-offs due to losing on the final day. This would result in Liam Rosenior being relieved of his duties despite being nominated for Manager of the Season.
Tim Walter was chosen as Rosenior's successor. The German has added Cody Drameh from Leeds, Joao Pedro from Fenerbahce, Mohamed Belloumi from Farense, Ryan Giles from Luton, Charlie Hughes from Wigan, Carl Rushworth from Brighton, Mason Burstow from Chelsea, Gustavo Puerta from Bayer Leverkusen, Oscar Zambrano from LDU Quito, Liam Millar from Basel, Anthiny Racioppi from Young Boys, Abu Kamara from Norwich, Marvin Mehlem from Darmstadt, Kasey Palmer from Coventry, Steven Alzate from Brighton, Chris Bedia from Union Berlin and Fin Burns from Man City.
Duels are the core of football - and Walter places a correspondingly high value on the one-on-one battle. Brave decisions are demanded not only in the final third, but sometimes even in the build-up play. In order to instil this, the coach has the team work primarily in game and competition situations. Isolated drills are kept to a minimum, and instead the work is often done on specially marked fields. Walter places a high important on vertical play. The aim is to play forwards quickly with few passes so that high-percentage scoring opportunities can be created. Progress in this area is already evident, with the players getting more and more to grips with the principle. Tim Walter has set up his team to be as mobile as possible when they start the build-up. The full-backs play another vital role as well as the centre-backs because the four of them are making often moves through the midfield and wide-central areas.
The Bluebirds:
Erol Bulut's fate was sealed after a home defeat against Leeds United last weekend. The Bluebirds were passive and put little to no pressure on Leeds. Omer Riza takes charge and has suggested City will set up in a different way as they look to win their first three points.
Cardiff will have to play with pace on the break, as that's where The Tigers have looked most vulnerable under Walter so far. City will have to play with more intensity than last weekend if they hope to pick up all three points.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Robinson and Meite back in contention. Tsunoda, Davies, Etete, Ramsey and Daland remain out.
Hull City - Pedro to face a late fitness test for the hosts. Late decision to be made on Palmer. Hughes, Sinik, Smith and Longman all out.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Calum Chambers
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Will Fish
LB - Jamilu Collins
CDM - Manolis Siopis
LCM - Alex Robertson
RCM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Anwar El Ghazi
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Callum Robinson
Prediction:
Hull City 1-1 Cardiff City
I could see Hull controlling the first half and netting, before a late City fight back earns a draw.
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