Cardiff play their first competitive game at the Cardiff City Stadium of the 23/24 season against League Two opposition Colchester United.
Erol Bulut and Tom Ramasut (Assistant Coach)
The Opposition:
Colchester have had a delayed start to the 23/24 season as on Saturday their game against Swindon was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The U's manager is currently former Swindon and Charlton boss, Ben Garner. Garner joined Colchester at the back end of last season winning three of The U's last 11 games of the 22/23 season. Garner has recruited the majority of his players from the academy of Premier League sides with The U's recruiting Mauro Bandeira (Arsenal), Joe Taylor (Luton), Owen Goodman (Crystal Palace) and Tom Smith (Arsenal) this summer, left-back Ellis Iandolo has also been brought in from Swindon.
Ben Garner typically lines up with an attacking 4-3-3, however since his move to Colchester he's typically operated with a back three. Garner had a decent spell at fellow League two side Swindon where they played free flowing football high press football; something he tried to introduce at Charlton, however that never came to fruition as he was sacked a few months after being appointed.
Colchester will have a fresh squad to choose from due to not playing on the weekend, with Luton forward Joe Taylor now available for selection after his move to The U's.
The Bluebirds:
After an exciting game on the weekend The Bluebirds now have to switch their attention to a Cup that they never exactly do well in. Cardiff impressed on the weekend at Elland Road and will hope to replicate that against Colchester. Fans are optimistic after Sunday's performance despite slight disappointment that The Bluebirds didn't pick up three points.
Tomorrow night will be Erol Bulut's first competitive game at the Cardiff City Stadium, and he's already hinted that it will be a very much different side to the team that played against Leeds. This could see the first minutes of the season come for the likes of Rubin Colwill and Kieron Evans who excited fans in pre-season.
Bulut hinted a signing could be confirmed before tomorrow's game, however Glen Williams hinted that he doubts that could be the case.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Ryan Allsop will be missing again for The Bluebirds. Romaine Sawyers' availability is yet unknown. Both Joe Ralls and Perry Ng were replaced on the weekend with injuries so they're possibly doubtful.
Colchester United - Joe Taylor is available after his move from Luton. Due to the fact Colchester didn't play Saturday they have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Prediction:
I expect The Bluebirds to be in control for this game and to make the most of having the ball, with a rotated side it will be interesting to see The Bluebirds forward and who gets the nod, Ollie Tanner, Kieron Evans, Rubin Colwill, Callum Robinson, Kion Etete, Yakou Meite and Sheyi Ojo could all play a part.
However, Cardiff can't underestimate The U's with dangerous players like Junior Tchamadeu, Noah Chilvers and John Akinde all capable of hurting The Bluebirds.
Preferred XI:
GK - Rohan Luthra
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Jack Simpson
RCB - Xavier Benjamin
RB - Mahlon Romeo
RDM - Romaine Sawyers
LDM - Andy Rinomhota
CAM - Rubin Colwill
LW - Kieron Evans
RW - Sheyi Ojo
ST - Kion Etete
Score Prediction:
Cardiff 2-0 Colchester
As previously mentioned, I could see The Bluebirds control this game and you'd like to hope we'll make the most of that by getting a couple of goals.
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