This years preseason predictions will take place after 4 games have already been played, as we didn't get back from our family holiday until after the start of the EFL season. It's been a bit of a mixed start for the Bluebirds, with one win, one draw, and one loss from the first 3 league games. Sandwiched in between those games was an extra time defeat in the EFL cup to Bristol Rovers.
The team is indeed using the 352 formation, as used successfully by Wales during the summers European Championships. It still seems to be a bit of a “work in progress”, but last night's first win of the season against Blackburn began to illustrate the benefits of the formation.
The new system has been slightly disrupted by a series of injuries to key players. New signing Jazz Richards was unavailable last night having picked up an injury last Saturday against QPR, and Stuart O'Keefe broke his arm in a freak accident at Bristol Rovers. There were some issues concerning the link play between the midfield and the strikers on Saturday, but this seems to have been addressed by last night. Encouragingly, the wingbacks seem to be getting forwards to provide width to the team, with Declan John in particular doing very well.
Wales international Emyr Huws
The main worry is the lack of goals in the team. It is difficult itself whether the team needs a new top quality striker, or whether a more creative midfielder may be required. It is hoped that the signing of Emyr Huws from Wigan may help in that respect. There has been some criticism from some fans about the abilities of Frederic Gounongbe, but he has not had a very much good quality service so far to fully pass judgement.
Results so far:
BIRMINGHAM 0 CARDIFF 0
BRISTOL ROVERS 1 CARDIFF 0 (after extra time)(EFL Cup)
CARDIFF 0 QPR 2
CARDIFF 2 BLACKBURN 1
BIRMINGHAM 0 CARDIFF 0
I was unable to witness the first Game of the season due to my holidays. Accounts in the press suggest a good performance from Cardiff and they probably should have won the game. Freddie Gounongbe missed a very good chance.
BRISTOL ROVERS 1 CARDIFF 0
This game was moved to Thursday night to be shown live on Sky television. Approximately half of the team were rested, which resulted in a slightly disjointed performance. Although Cardiff dominated possession, they rarely looked like scoring. A fantastic 35 yard strike sealed the game for Bristol Rovers 5 minutes before the end of extra time.
CARDIFF 0 QPR 2
These two teams were clearly very evenly matched. Defences were well in control, and despite both teams having long periods of possession, neither side likely to score in open play. The first goal when it finally came was a header by former Cardiff player Steven Caulker following a free kick. The second goal came from a slightly dubious penalty. The main disappointment during this game came from Cardiff's inability to create chances for their strikers.
Declan John.
CARDIFF 2 BLACKBURN 1
Card's first win of the season came courtesy of Blackburn Rovers. Rather bizarrely, from 2 own goals from Blackburn centre half Shane Duffy. And to make matters worse for Duffy, he managed to get sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time at the end of the game! Therefore, after four games, no Cardiff player has scored a goal this season! The general performance was much better, although Blackburn were very poor side. Declan John in particular had a good game, as did Aaron Gunnarsson who was replacing O'Keefe in midfield.
Shane Duffy of Blackburn (22) heads his second own goal of the game!
PREDICTIONS:
This is the time when I usually try to predict the top six and the bottom three Championship teams for this season. A very difficult task as usual.
The top six - Newcastle, Norwich and Aston Villa(last seasons three relegated Premier league teams) should all be up there. The other three places could go to any number of clubs - Derby, Brighton, Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford could all be involved. I'm not as convinced as in previous years that Cardiff can force their way into the top six, but the Championship is as wide open as ever and they have as much chance as a number of other teams. If I have to make a definite decision I would say that Derby, Brighton and Bristol City would be my choice after the first 3 mentioned.
Bottom 3 - Blackburn, Burton, and Rotherham may all struggle.
