Pick and mix... Who’d we play for big test at Ashton Gate
CARDIFF City’s return to Championship action has been two points short of perfection, writes Glen Williams.
The first two matches, wins over Leeds and Preston, were textbook City. Organised and controlled before hitting them both on the break to devastating effect and, crucially, proving clinical in front of goal.
Charlton, however, afforded the Bluebirds no such luxury. They sat back – or “parked the bus”, as Neil Harris described it – and made City try to break them down.
That is when it proved more difficult. So, one can expect Bristol City to employ a similar tactic at Ashton Gate this weekend.
The away win over Huddersfield before the enforced break should perhaps be the blueprint – it was by far the best performance they have put in on the road this term – rather than that Preston victory.
It will take a few bold selection calls from Harris, especially after recent results, but it might just pay to be bold this weekend...
Alex Smithies - Goalkeeper
A shoo-in, really.
What a season Smithies is having. Interestingly, now there are no fans in the ground, you can really hear just how vocal and how much of a leader he is on the pitch. We knew that of Neil Etheridge, of course, he is quite visibly a vocal and confident goalkeeper, but Smithies has really blossomed with regular game time this season and is a contender for Player of the Year.
Dion Sanderson - Right back
What a find this guy has been. In defence, yes, he is a little raw, he sometimes must use his pace and limbs to scramble back and atone for earlier errors, but he invariably gets away with it.
In attack, however, his energy up and down that right flank has added a whole new dimension to the City attack and his potential link-up play with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is really an exciting prospect.
Sean Morrison - Centre back
Has been tremendous all season and has just picked up where he left off since football restarted.
Has been a calming presence between two relative rookies at this level and added some much-needed experience at the heart of defence.
Curtis Nelson - Centre back
Cardiff City’s breakthrough player of the season. Has grown in stature with each passing week since his introduction into the first team at the end of Neil Warnock’s tenure. It’s difficult to believe, really, this is his first season in the Championship, because he has been nothing short of excellent.
His distribution perhaps needs a little more work, especially as Cardiff push to evolve their style of play, but his defending has been first class.
Joe Bennett - Left back
Neil Harris has said he has seen a notable improvement in Joe Bennett since Brad Smith arrived from Bournemouth and it is true the left back has had a much better second half to the season. Crucially, though, this more progressive style of play which City are trying to implement will benefit him to no end. Attack is where his strengths lie, of that there is no question.
In the opening exchanges against Charlton, he and Mendez-Laing were a nuisance down the left and it was heartening to see Bennett bombing forward far more than what we would have seen at the start of the season.
Will Vaulks - Centre midfield
Was no doubt rested against Charlton because Harris know the midfielder has a big job to do in the Severnside derby this weekend.
Has been brilliant for the Bluebirds since the turn of the year, at both ends of the pitch, and has really grown into a leader in the middle of the park.
Aggressive and disciplined in defence and can fire off a shot from range, perfect for the deepest-lying midfielder.
Joe Ralls - Centre midfield
Has flourished in a more advanced role in the absence of Lee Tomlin since football’s return and it is that attack-mindedness City need this weekend.
However, it would be a positive move to drop him back into one of the midfield two, but still having that licence to roam forward.
He has the engine to cover the ground defensively, but to have someone who is so naturally attacking in that position is what City need this weekend.
Dual playmakers will be the order of the day.
Lee Tomlin - No.10
Surely this weekend is when we will see Lee Tomlin from the off. This fixture is just calling his name. It speaks volumes just how well City have done in Tomlin’s absence, given he has been head and shoulders above any other outfield player this season. What a position of luxury Harris finds himself in to be able to call upon him and, in doing so, strengthening his side to no end. With Bristol likely lying deep and organised this weekend, Tomlin is the man who can unpick that defence and release the Bluebirds’ lightning-quick wingers.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing - Right wing
What an exciting performance from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing against Charlton. Glimpses of real attacking intent.
When he picks up the ball the first thing he wants to do is turn and run at the opposition defence.
Just lacked the killer instinct last time out but was a joy to watch on occasion and is confident after that lovely goal against Preston. Must start.
Josh Murphy - Left wing
Josh Murphy is in contention this weekend and if he is fit enough to start from the off then that is too much of a luxury to have sitting on the bench.
Neil Harris said he is ready to spark his Cardiff City career and this playoff run is the perfect time. This is what City paid the money for and this is when he needs to deliver.
It’ll be a tough call on Junior Hoilett, who has also been very good, but Murphy, on his day, has that X-factor
Striker - Callum Paterson
In all likelihood, it looks as though Robert Glatzel won’t be fit enough for this weekend, following his nasty head collision last time out. But perhaps having that one physical presence up front will play into City’s hands this weekend.
Paterson is probably Cardiff’s most comfortable striker with his back to goal and, with Tomlin and Ralls behind him, that could be a key theme to City’s attack.