Cardiff City remain on the road as they travel to face Swansea City in the South Wales Derby.
The Opposition:
After the disastrous spell of Michael Duff, the mid season appointment of Luke Williams last season steadied the ship at The Swans. Swansea had an inconsistent second half of the season, but finished in a respectable 14th.
Swansea have enjoyed an impressive summer window. The Swans have added Lawrence Vigouroux from Burnley, Ji-sung Eom from Gwangju FC, Zan Vipotnik from Bordeaux and Goncalo Franco from Moreirense. The Swans have lost key players Nathan Wood and Jamie Paterson.
Williams likes his centre backs to start the attacks, playing out from the back in the ‘proper’ way. A pattern with Williams' sides is that the ball tends to remain on the ground, with heavy reliance on building play. He likes his wing backs to start high up the pitch and press. Taking advantage of the high starting position, Swansea are able to transition into attack quickly. Williams' sides love pressing through the lines.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one on the back of a heavy defeat at the hands of Burnley. A score that didn't best represent the performance, however a performance that exposed The Bluebirds' weaknesses.
The Bluebirds are going to have to get at Swansea, not allowing players like Matt Grimes time and space in the midfield, as that is where Cardiff always lose this fixture. Cardiff will have to be smart in their build up and utilise pace down the flanks.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Aaron Ramsey, Callum O'Dowda and Calum Chambers available despite injury concerns. Anwar El Ghazi and Jesper Daland in contention for debuts. Joe Ralls to face a late fitness test. Tsunoda, Davies, Fish and Etete out.
Swansea City - Joe Allen available for the hosts. Andy Fisher, Aimar Govea, Sam Parker and Josh Ginnelly will miss out for the Swans as they continue their rehabilitation.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Calum Chambers
LCB - Jesper Daland
LB - Callum O'Dowda
LCM - Manolis Siopis
RCM - Alex Robertson
CAM - Aaron Ramsey
RW - Yakou Meite
LW - Chris Willock
ST - Wilfried Kanga
Prediction:
Swansea City 2-0 Cardiff City
A prediction driven by PTSD.
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