Cardiff City play their first game at home in the Championship of the 23/24 season with Queens Park Rangers the visitors.
The Opposition:
It was a tough opening weekend for The R's after losing 4-0 to Watford on the opening day. Queens Park Rangers boss Gareth Ainsworth is already under serious pressure from the fan base after a poor end of last season and no signs of improving going into the new season. Ainsworth has recruited Taylor Richards permanently from Brighton, Paul Smyth from Leyton Orient, Morgan Fox from Stoke, Asmir Begovic from Everton, Ziyad Larkeche from Fulham and Nottingham Forest duo Steve Cook and Jack Colback. The R's have seen big departures with the likes of Seny Dieng, Rob Dickie, Stefan Johansen and Leon Balogun all leaving Ainsworth's men this summer.
Rangers were played off the park by Watford and only had 35% possession and four shots, something Ainsworth is looking to address this weekend. Gareth Ainsworth has hinted that a change of system will come this weekend. It's expected QPR are going to attempt to use the ball better this weekend and get the most out of the likes of Chris Willock and Illias Chair.
The R's have recruited Steve Cook after being forced to use young defender Joe Gubbins against The Hornets and they're not stopping there. Ainsworth is reportedly pushing for Sunderland defender Danny Batth to come in before Saturday's game.
The Bluebirds:
This weekend is huge for The Bluebirds. After 12 years away Aaron Ramsey is set to make his first Cardiff appearance at the Cardiff City Stadium, with fans excited to witness his long awaited return. QPR's visit is also Erol Bulut's first Championship home game of his reign as manager so there's a lot riding on Saturday's game.
Erol Bulut also hinted that there could be a change in system for The Bluebirds with more emphasis on keeping the ball. Bulut admitted Cardiff must improve on keeping the ball and cutting out conceding soft goals. Bulut wants The Bluebirds to improve their build play as they're expected to be in control against QPR this Saturday, however Bulut downplayed it will be as easy as supporters make out.
There's a possibility Cardiff could add another player before the game, however Erol Bulut has admitted some issues could mean it goes through after the game. Bulut has clarified he wants 2-3 more players before the end of the transfer window.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Cardiff will also be without Ryan Allsop again. New recruit Yakou Meite is out with a muscle problem picked up in Portugal; he's expected to be out for a week to 10 days. Joe Ralls completed a personal training session yesterday and is expected to take part in team training today; Bulut expects him to be available.
Queens Park Rangers - Steve Cook is in contention after his move from Forest. A late decision will be made on Jack Colback. Jake Clarke-Salter and Jimmy Dunne have been ruled out for The R's.
Prediction:
I expect The Bluebirds to be in control against QPR who are bound to be nervous after pressure from supporters. An early goal from The Bluebirds could see them cruise the game, however, they can't afford to be complacent as Willock and Chair are very talented players who can cause problems.
No Meite means it's likely we'll see the same front four as the Leeds game, both Bowler and Grant's pace could be crucial in getting The Bluebirds in behind and scoring a couple of goals.
Predicted XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
LB - Callum O'Dowda
LCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RCB - Mark McGuinness
RB - Perry Ng
RDM - Ryan Wintle
LDM - Joe Ralls Captain
CAM - Aaron Ramsey
LW - Karlan Grant
RW - Josh Bowler
ST - Ike Ugbo
Score Prediction:
Cardiff City 2-0 Queens Park Rangers
The Bluebirds need to take advantage of a QPR side who will be low on confidence. I think players like Bowler and Ugbo will pick up where they left off at Leeds and really hurting The R's defence.
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