" TOUGH DECISIONS TO BE MADE. "

Friday 09th August 2013.

Cardiff City correspondent Terry Phillips looks at the centre-half conundrum taxing the mind of Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay as the Premier League kick off looms closer

Who will partner Steven Caulker at the heart of Cardiff City's defence?
Three into two doesn’t go – and that could spell bad news for Cardiff City captain Mark Hudson.


With record £8.5m signing Steven Caulker on board it will be an anxious moment for Hudson and Ben Turner when Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay names his side to take on Athletic Bilbao tomorrow (3pm).

For that is the moment when Mackay’s thinking for the Premier League opener at West Ham in eight days’ time will be revealed.

It’s inconceivable that the England-capped Caulker will be denied his first start after appearing as a substitute on the hour-mark against Chievo Verona last weekend.

So it comes down to Hudson or Turner who will partner him against the La Liga visitors – and almost certainly at Upton Park as well.

A strong case can be made for either man to slot in alongside Caulker but I expect Turner to get the nod in east London.

The 6ft 4ins left-sided Turner looks a natural fit alongside the right-footed Caulker and the balance between the two might be the preferred option as City seek to start life in the Premier League with a clean sheet.

But let’s get things straight here.

Mackay won’t discard Hudson’s cool and calm leadership qualities without plenty of thought.

Like Caulker, he might be right-sided but what he brings is authority and a trust that he will respond when the going gets tough.

It’s a combination that, as a former centre-back, Mackay has an understanding of and knows he needs to get right – and that’s why he has been trying out different pairings on the training ground.

Matt Connolly is another contender and he has Premier League experience to back up his claim, but he might be seen more as cover right now for both centre-back and right-back positions.

Another defensive dilemma for Mackay is who lines up at left-back with Andrew Taylor sitting out the opening day after his red card at Hull in the Championship climax.

Declan John, a Wales Under-17 cap from Merthyr, and the experienced Simon Lappin are both in the frame.

Taylor’s loss is a blow considering his consistency last season when he was quite possibly one of the first names on Mackay’s team-sheet. But don’t discount Lappin’s tenacity or even John’s sudden elevation into the first-team picture at the Cardiff City Stadium.

John has emerged as a real contender after an effective 90 minutes during the 1-0 victory over Chievo.

The 18-year-old has been switched from winger to full-back and the move has been a resounding success.

Mackay has made it clear age is not a factor when it comes to first-team selection, saying: “I have high hopes for Declan.

“But for the consistency of Andrew Taylor he would have spent a bit more time with the first team last season in terms of getting on the pitch.

“Declan would have played 30 or 40 matches in a lower league by now if he wasn’t at Cardiff. He looked confident and comfortable in his position against Chievo.

“I’m not holding back people when they reach a certain level and he’s reached that level – and Declan is part of my first-team squad now.”

So it’s Turner and John in the back-five for me with new boys Caulker and John Brayford and solid Scottish custodian David Marshall in goal. If that’s a very much new-look defence, there’s a more familiar feel in midfield.

Aron Gunnarson has been given the all-clear to feature for the first time this season and looks likely to link up with Peter Whittingham and Kim Bo-kyung tomorrow. Jordon Mutch is doubtful with a groin strain and French target Etienne Capoue appears bound for Tottenham Hotspur.

City have agreed a £9.6m fee with Toulouse for Capoue’s signature and personal terms have been negotiated, but the players seems destined for North London rather than South Wales.

This setback, however, certainly won’t stop Mackay from strengthening his midfield competition and he is already moving closer to other targets.

But against Bilbao it looks like a central mix of Gunnarsson, Whittingham and Kim, the South Korean who has scored three goals and been in outstanding form during pre-season.

I have no doubt Hudson will be paired up with Caulker.

It will be difficult because Hudson and Caulker are both right footed players. Hudson is a natural leader and I feel he's more solid compared to Turner. I think it will be Caulker and Turner at the back along with Taylor and Brayford. Connolly, Super Kev and Lappin as back up

Got to be Hudson and caulker

has to be hudson

All this 'two right-footed centre-halves can't play together' is codswallop. Phillips should know that, he's been around long enough!

All this 'two right-footed centre-halves can't play together' is codswallop. Phillips should know that, he's been around long enough!

Yes, its a load of codswallop.

Besides, left footed Ben Turner, as strong as he is, when using his left foot he just boots it as hard upfield as possible which will be no advangtage in the PL.

I would be very surprised if Hudson isn't the man partnering Caulker. Surprised some are actually worried that both are right-footed, too.

Man Utd: Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Smalling, Jones - all right footed.
Chelsea: Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic, Luiz - all right footed.
Man City: Kompany, Lescott - both right footed.

exactly this left/right foot stuff is bollocks. im left footed and spend most my game time on the right side of the pitch and im shit. if these 'prem' players cant do that they why the f**k are they in our team!?

I would be very surprised if Hudson isn't the man partnering Caulker. Surprised some are actually worried that both are right-footed, too.

Man Utd: Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Smalling, Jones - all right footed.
Chelsea: Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic, Luiz - all right footed.
Man City: Kompany, Lescott - both right footed.

Lescott is left footed

Caulker and Turner for me.

Hudson had an amazing season for us last season, but this was cut short due to injury. In that time, he has undergone an operation and has been playing catch up in terms of fitness in relation to other players. I know Hudson is our captain, but he has no automatic right to be in the starting XI.

At present form Turner and Caulker should be starting, with Hudson on the bench. In the long term, I see this as a positive, as each player will be fighting for the jersey and competition for places will bring the best out of the team.

Hudson all day long

I've seen submarines turn quicker than turner, fear he will get found out in the prem!

As for CB it doesn't matter what side they normally play, he will put the 2 best CBS on the park regardless of preferable side!!

Have to play our best CB's we have and thats Caulker and Hudson

Turner cam definitely put pressure on them though in the season he still has plenty to offer

I have no doubt Hudson will be paired up with Caulker.

Agree Polo