Cardiff is the next port of call for under pressure City boss Keith Millen and his struggling side.
After having the ‘Indian Sign’ over the Bluebirds for the last 30 or so years, Dave Jones’ side took advantage of two very poor performances by the City last year to triumph 3-0 in Wales and 6-0 at the Gate.
Saturday will be no different. It’s going to be a tough match but City really do need to get something so expect them to keep it tight, even a draw would be a bonus.
Vital Quotes:
City skipper Louis Carey stokes the fires…
“It’s an important game because they’re flying high in the table and we’re bottom right now.
“We’re thinking about putting a decent performance in to win and lift us up the table.
“They did the double over us last year so there will be an element of revenge out there.”
Cardiff City Team News:
Dave Jones’ biggest selection dilemma is how to get the best out of Craig Bellamy.
The striker recovered from his latest troublesome knee problem to play the whole 90 minutes in City’s 2-1 win at Barnsley.
Michael Chopra made a goalscoring return for Cardiff’s reserves in midweek after more than seven weeks on the sidelines recovering from ankle ligament damage, and could play a part in the lunchtime kick-off.
But midfielder Danny Drinkwater (thigh) and defender Chris Riggott are not ready.
Darcy Blake was dismissed at Oakwell a fortnight ago for two yellow card offences and will serve a one-match suspension.
Player to watch: Craig Bellamy
Surprise, surprise. The Welsh captain, on loan from Manchester City, missed his country’s defeat to Switzerland with a reoccuring knee injury but has made a miraculous recovery in time to face us. Oh the joy!
Bristol City Team News:
City have no new problems. Jamie McAllister suffered a cut to the head from a stray ball at the club’s golf day on Wednesday, but the defender will be fit to travel.
Strikers Nicky Maynard (knee) and Sam Vokes (hamstring) remain out. Wolves striker Vokes resumed his loan spell at Ashton Gate this week following treatment at his parent club but this game comes too soon for the Wales international.
Otherwise, boss Keith Millen has a full squad to choose from as his bottom-of-the-table side look for a first league win in five matches.
Player to watch: David James
Like him or hate him, he is going to be a very busy man over the bridge and has got to prove his worth at Cardiff.
Match Facts & Stats
? City haven’t beaten Cardiff since 2007, when Marvin Elliott’s screamer gave us a 1-0 win at the Gate.
? City have failed to win at Cardiff since 2002, when goals from Christian Roberts and Brian Tinnion gave us a 2-0 win.
? Cardiff won both league games – with an aggregate score of 9-0 – as well as knocking us out of the FA Cup last year.
? City have conceded the opening goal seven times in league games this season – more than any other team in the division.
? We’ve 25 players in Championship games so far this season. Only Derby have also fielded as many.
? Marvin Elliott is on the brink of his 300th club career appearance.
? Jamie McAllister could make his 400th start in English and Scottish club football.
Ref Watch:
Match Prediction:
Cardiff 2-0 Bristol City
If ever there was a home banker, this is it. If the Taff’s score early, this really could be a cricket score. The first goal will be crucial.
Next Fixtures:
Tues 19 Oct: Reading (h)
Fri 22 Oct: Queens Park Rangers (h)
Sat 30 Oct: Middlesbrough (a)
Sat 6 Nov: Preston North End (h)
