Cardiff City are back in the Welsh Capital as they host Bristol City in the Severnside Derby.
The Opposition:
Bristol City are a side that have flown under the radar this season, as they sit comfortably in the play-off race ahead of the final few months of the season.
Manning's sides enjoy free-flowing attacking football. The 38 year-old has a possession-based style with the creativity coming from a triangle three in midfield. With the ball they are predominantly a possession based team, with measured build-up, but are not a pass for passing’s sake team, they don’t overplay, but are comfortable waiting for their opportunities. They are not a high-press team. But they are effective in a mid-block and trigger their press efficiently.
The Robins sit 7th ahead of this one, and could move into the Play-Off place with a victory in the Welsh Capital.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one on the back of an away defeat in a crucial game against Portsmouth. Pompey took an early two goal lead, and despite Callum O'Dowda halving the deficit, The Bluebirds were forced to settle for nothing after a performance that lacked intent.
The Bluebirds will have to stay compact and likely in a low block to see off The Robins. Cardiff's best work is likely to come on the counter attack and set pieces, of course. It's likely to be the battle in the middle of the park that either wins or loses the game.
City sit 20th ahead of this one, and could move up to 18th if they can see off Liam Manning's side.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Aaron Ramsey and Yakou Meite back available. Alex Robertson and Jesper Daland miss out through injury. Isaak Davies, David Turnbull, Ronan Kpakio and Ollie Tanner also remain out.
Bristol City - Luke McNally out after picking up major injury last weekend. Cameron Pring also out injured for the visitors. Joe Williams suspended.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Will Fish
LB - Callum O'Dowda
RDM - Sivert Mannsverk
LDM - Calum Chambers
CAM - Aaron Ramsey
RW - Anwar El Ghazi
LW - Will Alves
ST - Yousef Salech
Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-0 Bristol City
There is no better game for City to put things right after a difficult week or two. Cardiff need to play with intent and understand the nature of the fixture.
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