Match Day Thread Cardiff City v Barnsley

We have opened a new season a couple of times against this side, winning away in season 2006/7
and losing at home in season 1958/9. The Tykes had a good one last time reaching the play off’s before succumbing to the mighty Swans! Dickie Bird has been on the phone again, asking about the form of Gary Madine, the prolific centre forward who lightened up the lives of so many city fans, sometimes some of these got a stiffy with the mention of his name! I assured him that GM was in fine fettle but sadly has now moved on to Blackpool. He (Dickie) is happier for that news. 2-2 away last season in MM’s first game, but a comfortable 3-0 home victory under Neil Harris.....so 1-0 city!

 

I posted earlier referee details.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-steve-martin-referee-who-12267936

 

Barnsley are cr@p

Direct side like us.

We are going to miss Moore but maybe a place on the bench.

I reckon. Smithies Ng Nelson Flint Moz Bagan Ralls Pack Bacuna Giles Collins.

 

I reckon that starting 11 is just about right.

With Vaulks banned for the game, the only other midfield option would be Wintle to start, but I reckon he'll run with Bacuna.

Would like to see Harris get a run out, but it's difficult who to leave out to accomodate him - maybe off the bench to add a bit of pace up front later.

 

Sparkey chum, great reading your wise words again, you reek of wisdom, and one day I want to be like you! Have a great season, love you! Manure for sale....steaming!

 

I was just talking about Harris.

I think we need 3 in central midfield.

An option could be Giles as LWB and Harris alongside Collins.

He seems to like Bacuna as an AM. I dont know why though.

Ive always thought our best central midfield combo is Ralls/Bacuna. At the moment though there is no AM option to be in front of them. Colwill / Tomlin and even Murphy all out.

So Bacuna is going to be there.

 

Can’t wait to get back into the stadium with the fans - wonder whether I’ll feel the same come those winter cold wet midweek fixtures

 

Can't see Giles being played that far back - Bagan has to start at LWB.

That back 5 looks pretty nailed on for the opener. I'm sure McGuinness will get a chance, but not before one of those 3 CB's gets injured, suspended or just has a couple of stinker performances that forces Mick's hand.

 

Others will get a chance v Sutton in the caribou cup. Phillips, Sang, McGuiness, Brown etc al.

 

Do you have to have antlers to play in that?........

 

Very amooseing Sparks. What the 'elk is going on?

 

Not sure, but they do say McGuinness is good for you.

Be prepared to change the Bluebird emblem to a Toucan....

 

As long as it's not a Norwegian Blue, dead, nailed to its perch.

 

OK then, does all this mean we'll be in a top 6 playoff place come Saturday night?

 

Cardiff City XI: Phillips; Ng, McGuinness, Flint, Nelson, Bagan; Ralls, Pack, Bacuna, Bagan; Collins, Giles.

 

McGuinness Flint is a good combination.

 

Early chance for him to oust one of last year's 3.
Be interesting to see how the front 2 go.

 

Well going by that first half we’re in for another season of hoof ball. The second half must be better…

 

Pack, goody goody!

 

As expected, not playing enough in the opposition half with little coming through central midfield.
Also as expected scored from a set piece. Giles gifted Bacuna 2 goals which I reckon Harris scores both - poor decision by MM to play Bacuna in that role.
Need to get Ng and Giles on the ball more. Bagan disappointed.
McGuinness promising - I’d play him instead of Flint when Morrison returns but can’t see MM doing that.
And one for OS. Top save first half but Phillips should be saving their terrible equaliser.
Very early days. We didn’t lose as quite a few other teams playing Barnsley will.