Game #41 sees arguably our toughest test of recent weeks, as our gallant Bluebirds once again trek north, this time to visit the high flying Blades of Sheffield in the early kick off Sky covered game. On face value one would have to consider this a home banker (as opposed to Oli McBirdBrain who is, as we all know a home \/\/@nker) as our hosts sit pretty in 2nd spot in the table, a massive 34 points and 19 places above us in the table, pushing hard for automatic promotion back to the Premier League for the 1st time since the 2020/21 season. Even the current form tables point to a home win with the Blades picking up 4 wins and 2 defeats in their last 6 compared to the Bluebirds 2 wins, 3 defeats and 1 draw, so it's absolutely fair to say that a mammoth task awaits. Earlier this season we saw the 2 sides do battle at the CCS, with the Blades coming out on top by a 0-1 scoreline in a game that was evenly contested and arguably shaded by the home side, but sadly with the Bluebirds lack of a cutting edge costing them once again. The corresponding game last season up at Bramall Lane also saw the Blades run out 1-0 winners with a goal from the talented Iliman Ndiaye. Ndiaye is the current Blades top scorer this season with 12 league goals to his name and will certainly be 1 of many players to be wary of in their side. However, it should be noted that the Bluebirds have (on current form) a striker of their own in the shape of Sory Kaba that has a better goals per minute and goals per 90 minute ratio than even the talented Blade's hit-man (0.63 v 0.33 goals per 90 & 143 v 269 minutes per goal) so could we see an upset this Saturday?? Looking back, our record against the Yorkshiremen isn't great, but we have had some successes in relatively recent visits to Bramall Lane with us securing a 0-2 win back in 2011 and prior to that a thrilling 3-4 win in 2009. That 2009 game saw a rip roaring encounter that boasted a Peter Whittingham hattrick and a Jay Bothroyd goal to secure the points, despite a late rally from the Blades. (Excuse the Ads) Hopefully Saturday's game will be just as entertaining with a similar result!! Early Bluebirds Team News According to gaffer Sabri Lamouchi there are no new injury concerns for the Bluebirds and we could see the return of Callum O'Dowda and a fully fit Joe Ralls in contention for starting places. Callum Robinson remains a huge doubt however the Bluebirds were boosted by the return to training of Ebou Adams, but you'd anticipate him to be some way off even a place on the bench having missed the entire season thus far. Doubts remain once again over Rubin Colwill, who apparently soon to be sponsored by Fabergé such is his delicate nature! Could it be Henry, the mild mannered janitor?? Urr, no, it's actually Ebou Adams! Prutton & Co Predict Well, these guys keep getting it wrong... after predicting a 1-1 for our game against play-off chasing Sunderland, the Sky duo are predicting a comfortable afternoon for the Blades and anticipating a 2-0 scoreline in their favour. To be fair, it's hard to contest that that is a reasonable prediction this time around. The bookies are unsurprisingly in agreement with the pundits too, with the home team odds on favourites for the win; Home Win 4/7 Draw 3/1 Away Win 19/4 Fun Fact It is reported that former Manchester United midfielder and Argentine international Juan Sebastian Veron grew up a Sheffield United fan with dreams of playing for the Blades. His uncle was Pedro Verde, who played for the club between 1978 and 1981. A football-mad Veron was six at the time and idolised his uncle. He had pictures of Sheffield United on his bedroom wall in his home in La Plata, the capital city of Buenos Aires Province, as well as Blades shirts and scarves. Judging by his performances in a Chelsea shirt I reckon they had a lucky escape!! Sticking with the Argentine theme, it's also claimed that Sheffield United went to Argentina on a scouting mission and had the chance to sign a 16-year-old Diego Maradona. However, complications with the deal saw the club pull out and instead, they returned back to England with deals secured for Alex Sabella and the aforementioned Pedro Verde. Sharing The Love Having covered the exploits of our very own "bandit" Nathan Blake amongst others on the home thread, the list was a little thin on the ground for this one.... however, we do have our very own play-off goal scoring hero on the list (a.k.a the Ginger Stripper) and a current International Team boss so it's not all bad. Andy Campbell (right) on a pre-season training run with the Bluebirds So, will the Bluebirds hop off the relegation knife-edge with a victory over the Blades? Can we blunt their attack whilst showing some steel in defence to bring home the points?? Will we steal the points from the steel city??? All I know is I'm hoping our travelling fans won't want to leave their hats on and instead will go the Full Monty with their celebrations as we walk away with 3 valuable points... Bloooooooooooobirds!!!!
Yet another masterpiece Brizzle. Can’t wait till your book comes out. I see the odds for a Cardiff win are 19/4. For Gods’s sake don’t tell Sparkey! Anyway I’m steeling myself for another loss.
I'm not sure even Sparky will be tempted this week??? Who knows though eh? Couple of red cards for them early on and we may stand half a chance!!
A pleasure to read as always Brizzle. Thank you. Now about these Blades. I haven't forgiven them for the 1925 cup final and probably never will. William an I were there you know. Anyway, I fancy an upset for this one with the favourites taking their eye off the prize against a club at the other end of the table. I'm probably being over optimistic but I just got a feeling. Bloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooobirds
City odds have gone out to 21/4 now...... I just can't help myself....... please log in to view this image
Fabulous read I can’t believe that 4-3 game was 14 years ago! It was an amazing game and for me a rare outing on the road.
Updates incoming..... What is the team news? The Bluebirds go into the game with a fairly clean bill of health but youngster Rubin Colwill could be a doubt due to a hip injury .Cardiff manager Sabri Lamouchi has said that he will speak to the club's medical team before making any decision. Club captain Joe Ralls could be available to start after recovering from a minor injury, as well as Callum O’Dowda who missed his side’s 0-1 loss to Sunderland on Easter Monday due to a groin problem. Sheffield United will be without 'keeper Wes Foderingham as the 32-year-old is set to begin the two-match ban he received after picking up a red card against Burnley on Monday. Welshman Adam Davies is set to fill in the gap between the sticks. Full-back Enda Stevens and midfielder Ben Osborn will also be missing from the Blades' matchday squad, with the pair joining Rhys Norrington-Davies and Rhian Brewster on the injury list. Paul Heckingbottom’s men will receive a boost with the return of Max Lowe, giving them a perfect replacement to fill in the gap at left-back left by the absent Stevens.
If Simpson is in there to play left back with Philo on the right, then it's a muck and bullets midfield of Ralls, Wintle and Rhino to mug them. Etete needs to come good up front with Kaba because that Blades defence can be got at.
Yikes.... Simpson instead of Romeo?? Wonder if that's Ng to right wingback and Ralls at left wingback?? Not convinced here.... Please prove me wrong SaS
Lamouchi showing he's something of a tinkerman. A good bench but I would have preferred O'Dowda and Romeo starting. Could be a back 4 with Philogene further up on either wing. I don't have a good feeling about this one
