We need not fear the return of NW, he did alright by us but was flawed in so many ways! Got in the ears of officials unnecessarily, and probably cost us any favours due....silly arse...like BFB! We are certainly a better side now, and could score a few...we’ve not scored many, and that’s a fact! Ivanhoe and Harry Worth to start, but Glatzel must figure. Middlesbrough a Big Team or other....jury is out on that one, medium Masky would say....2-0 City! Penalty due maybe? Need my bollocks around me!
Referee is John Brooks, relatively new at this level. Only officiated us once before, the 2.2 draw with Wigan in February. I was in Florence (the city) catching a very bad cough and headache that weekend so didn't see the game. If my memory is correct didn't a certain centre forward called Moore score at least one against us? Maybe a ref who likes our Kieffer?
Just looked at Boro's results so far this season and they're pretty good. Only lost the once to Watford by a single goal and they've drawn against both Bournemouth and top of the tree Reading as well as away at QPR. They've beaten the Wurzels on their patch and also a very decent Barnsley side this season - we'll do well to take all 3 points. That must be the target for Harris - the only question will be how best to go about it. They don't score many but don't concede many either. Get at them from the off and make sure they don't catch us on the counter or sit back and play our own countering game? Warnock will be patient and sit tight in defence - if we try to do the same thing it could be a long afternoon.
If we're disciplined in defence with 2 holding midfielders doing a job in front of the back 4 I think our front 4 will cause them enough problems. You're right though. If we try and match them defensively it could be a very boring stalemate. It comes down to having the legs up front to go at them for 90+ minutes with the bench being all important. A city win would set me up nicely for a few beers while watching Wales take on France.
He had a mare in that game Incidentally he refereed our away defeats at WBA & Brentford last season as well.
Yep. Agree wsith Sparkey and Remote. We have to see this as a game to win with both sides capable of seeing out a boring 0-0. Up in their faces from the off and play some football on the deck. There were signs against Bournemouth that we can do it so it's a question as to whether we can do it against a less cultured side. High energy game required in my humble view.
If he's fit, it might be a game for both Tolin and Wilson to keep the ball moving. Just need the legs around them to run onto the passes. Start with Moore with a brief to run himself into the ground for 70 mins then bring on Bobby for fresh legs. Same out wide.
I'd also like to see Wilson and Tomlin togther, but alas Harris confrmed yesterday that Tomlin was a no go for this weekend. Still think he should start with the same side as against Bournemouth with the exception of Ralls strarting in place of Vaulks.
just hope we don't get any more injuries at the back so we can use all our subs for attacking changes.
If Desmond and/or Bennet are fit I would prefer to see them at full back. They will give us more options going forward. No criticism of either Bacuna or Bagan implied for Wednesday.
I think if Desmond is fit he'll be at right back today. That would give Harris a problem as to where to play Bacuna because he wont leave him out of the team especially against a side like Boro. I just hope he doesn't decide to play him at left back at the expense of Bagan if Bennett isn't fit.
Can't see that. I remember away at Reading last year. 3 different left backs and all crap. If Bennett isn't fit then Bagan must start. Choices in mf then with Bacuna, Trigger, Ralls and Vaulks all vying for 2 places.
Bit more pace in the team with Pack & Hoilett dropping out. Murphy starts. Desmond back, but Vaulks & Ralls with no place for Bacuna?
Cardiff City XI: Smithies; Osei-Tutu, Morrison, Nelson, Bagan; Vaulks, Ralls; Ojo, Wilson, Murphy; Moore. Subs: Phillips, Bamba, Bacuna, Pack, Whyte, Hoilett, Glatzel. Middlesbrough XI: Bettinelli, Tavernier, Dijksteel, Fry, McNair, Bola, Morsy, Howson, Saville, Johnson, Akpom Subs: Stojanovic, Spence, Coulson, Wing, Browne, Roberts, Britt
Hope Murphy takes his opportunity. He hasn't shown much interest so far this season. If his game is on he has the ability to get to the by line and put in the crosses Moore needs.
And I hope Bagan has a good a game defensively as last week as I'm not sure he'll get a huge ammount of support from Murphy. Going forward the left and right flanks look good.
Again concede first goal at home. Terrible one to concede as well. Not enough pressing and passing forwards. Some good efforts from distance though so hopefully we’ll get back into it. The ref is having a poor game.