Predicted Cardiff City Line-up To Face Birmingham City In EFL Championship

Is this where it unravels for Cardiff City? The Bluebirds have started the season incredibly well and deserve their place right at the summit of the Championship. Many still doubt though whether they’ll still be there in a few weeks time and this is precisely the sort of game they need to win to prove themselves.

Birmingham have a new manager in Steve Cotterill and with it, probably a new lease of life. Their home advantage being a big factor as well, in this battle. So if Cardiff are to win this, they’ll need to be at their very best.

Formation: 4-5-1

Manager: Neil Warnock

GK – Neil Etheridge

Perhaps an unlikely stopper at the top of this league, Etheridge is there on merit right now and should continue to feature.

RB – Lee Peltier

It’s perhaps less surprising that Peltier is at the top of this league, but he’s probably not of Premier League standard now and so he cannot afford to take his foot off the gas.

CB – Sean Morrison

Another typical Warnock type – solid but unspectacular.  The 26-year-old is, however, a vital part of this solid defence and should play once more.

CB – Bruno Ecuele Manga

Adding more experience to the back line, a partnership is forming with Morrison and Bamba’s assistance just in front of them. Seems like the final piece of their defensive puzzle.

LB – Joe Bennett

Given the form of Declan John up at Rangers, Bennett needs to be in top form and to be fair, he has done little wrong so far.

DM – Sol Bamba

Bamba is solid in this position and in this league but will not be someone who helps Cardiff over the line or indeed to Premier League safety.

RM – Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

The 25-year-old, with 4 goals in 11 Championship games, has been one of the stars of the season so far. Along with the defensive solidity, he is also a key reason why Cardiff are where they are.

CM – Loic Damour

No goals yet from the Frenchman but he has been involved in 9 of the games and should play again here.

CM – Joe Ralls

Probably the more attack-minded of the 3 central midfielders and one who will need to be conscious enough to keep the shackles off and the threat high here against the home side.

LM – Junior Hoilett

Somewhat of a wasted talent, but at this level he can definitely do the business. Even though he’s not my cup of tea, Warnock is perfect for him to keep him in line.

ST – Kenneth Zohore

He probably hasn’t quite hit the heights as yet this term, but a late winner in a game like this is exactly what strikers of his talent are about.