' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:12 am
Some interesting thoughts of the sports writers at the Echo.
Do you agree with any of their views, predictions and opinions?
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... ts-7557542?
Monday 4th August 2014
Where will Cardiff City finish next May?
Paul Abbandonato: They should be top with the firepower available, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is new to the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday grind of the Championship. Thus I’m going to say top six ... and the lottery of the play-offs.
Steve Tucker: Second.
Terry Phillips: In the play-offs with a good chance of another trip to Wembley. No better than that, though, I’m afraid.
Chris Wathan: They have the squad to challenge but I think the turnaround in players and the need to find a balance could make it a struggle to sustain anything other than a play-off berth.
Who are their main rivals for promotion?
PA: Fulham and Norwich, relegated with Cardiff, will be in the mix. So too Wigan, while expect Steve McClaren to make Derby a force. Outsiders? Kenny Jackett’s Wolves.
ST: Derby and Fulham.
Wolves might have a bit of momentum and Ipswich could be dark horses.
TP: Wigan and Derby are my tips for the two automatic places. Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff and Bolton for the play-offs.
CW: Take your pick – the joys of the Championship mean that almost everyone is a rival.
Narrowing it down, Mick McCarthy is showing signs of working his promotion magic with Ipswich, Norwich should have enough about them to push for an instant return while Wigan seemed to have built on their side from last year.
Don’t rule out Brentford or Kenny Jackett’s Wolves making the most of promotion momentum.
Who will be the key player/s?
PA: Mats Moller Daehli can take this Championship by storm, but ultimately it will hinge on who plays well at centre-forward. I’m hoping Kenwyne Jones surprises us, because technically and physically he has the attributes. If big Kenwyne gets it right, Cardiff will be a real force.
ST: The defenders. Solskjaer will have to have them organised or the Bluebirds will fail. I expect the forward play to take care of itself with the personnel available.
TP: David Marshall is the main man – and he must be given solid protection by the defenders in front of him. Cardiff have plenty of firepower, but need to be more effective when the opposition have possession. Solskjaer’s next signing must be a centre-half and he has to be the right man to help tighten things up.
CW: Now Jordon Mutch is off, while you’d hope Mats Daehli can provide the creativity so often missing last year but someone to put the ball away will be crucial; Adam Le Fondre’s signing could be key on that front.
Will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still be in a job by Xmas?
PA: I hope so. I’m still adamant he must be a better manager than shown with the Bluebirds thus far. But if Cardiff aren’t doing well early doors, lots of people reckon Vincent Tan will be ruthless.
ST: Yes. He is Vincent Tan’s appointment and will be stuck by unless results are too dreadful and the pressure becomes just too intense.
TP: Yes. Provided Cardiff are in a position from where they can push towards the top Vincent Tan will stick with him. Even if the Bluebirds do struggle early on Solskjaer will get until the new year to get things right.
CW: Like any manager, he will if he wins games.
Vincent Tan has made a rod for his own back should that not be the case – and you get the view fans will be a lot less tolerant.
If he isn't, who would Vincent Tan turn to as a replacement?
PA: Dave Jones. Don’t shoot the messenger, I think it’s a horrific prospect, but Tan does like Jones and has tried to employ him before as Director of Football.
ST: Neil Warnock. He’s not liked because he tells it as it is, but he would get Cardiff back up. Could he work with Tan? If you pay him enough money.
TP: Dave Jones is a friend of Vincent Tan. The two men talk football a lot – and Tan clearly has belief in Jones as a manager. If a change was made, I can see a situation where Jones returns to Cardiff City Stadium.
CW: I would say himself, following the likes of Ron Noades and Michael Knighton, but you really shouldn’t joke....
What do you make of Solskjaer's summer spending?
PA: Guerra, Le Fondre and Macheda make exciting captures. Dikgacoi is the type of midfield warrior required. The jury’s out on Burgstaller. But Cardiff badly need a new centre-back and possibly a full-back too. Neither position has been strengthened.
ST: Hope it turns out better than his January business. Guerra, Macheda and Le Fondre surely point to goals.
The only problem might be keeping them out the other end.
TP: Solskjaer’s January signings did not make enough of an impact, although Mats Daehli is an outstanding talent, but the five brought in so far this summer are more promising. Javi Guerra, Adam Le Fondre and Federico Macheda are more than capable of firing 15 or more goals, while Guido Berstaller and Kagisho Dikgacoi are highly effective in midfield.Burgstaller is strong, has quick feet and can pick a pass, while destroyer Dikgacoi will fill the role expected to be vacated by Gary Medel.
CW: He’s certainly given himself options up front and Dikgacoi was a very decent signing, but a lack of width concerns, another centre-back could still be needed and Solskjaer will have to show he can keep a rather large squad happy and united.
Should Cardiff have cashed in on David Marshall this summer?
PA: He can’t possibly have as good a season again. In the Premier League, Marshall was the best keeper on show, producing some truly world-class stops. His transfer value won’t be as high in the Championship, but he is a reassuring presence to have at the back for Solskjaer.
ST: No. Why cash in if you’ve got a billionaire-backer?
TP: No. The highest offer received for Marshall was £5m and City would have had to spent that on a replacement of the right quality. There was a lot of interest in Marshall, but only a few clubs offered hard cash.
CW: If he’s stuck to his budget and there wasn’t an offer to tempt then no.
He could be another key man, especially with Cardiff’s defence still looking vulnerable.
What formation should Ole play?
PA: I’m a great believer in the 4-2-3-1 modern-day formation, which quickly becomes 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 depending on whether you’re defending or going forward. Ole will probably go 4-4-2 though to maximise his abundance if striking options.
ST: 4-4-2. And Solskjaer should stop fiddling about and changing things. Find a side, stick to it. Dominate. Let others react to Cardiff’s threat.
TP: Solskjaer favours 4-4-2, but I believe 3-5-2 could suit the players. Juan Cala is a natural for sweeper role, while Fabio, Declan John and John Brayford are players who could shine as wing-backs. City played with three central defenders at Spurs last season and it worked well.
CW: It could be a case of a 4-4-2 diamond to accommodate the number of true strikers, with the emphasis on the full-backs providing width from a tight midfield.
Think the Netherlands at the World Cup.
What would be your preferred starting XI?
PA: Marshall; Brayford, Turner, Cala, Fabio; Dikgacoi, Whittingham; Noone, Bo-kyung, Daehli; Jones (if he fires) or Guerra.
ST: Marshall; Brayford, Cala, Turner, Fabio; Noone, Dikgacoi, Bo-kyung, Burgstaller; Macheda, Guerra.
TP: At Blackburn, when Cala is suspended: 4-4-2 Marshall; Brayford, Hudson, Turner, John; Burgstaller, Dikgacoi, Whittingham, Daehli; Guerra, Macheda.
CW: Marshall; Brayford, Cala, Hudson, John; Daehli, Dikgacoi, Bo-kyung, Whittingham; Le Fondre, Guerra.
Will the pro-blue campaign from the fans distract from the promotion push?
PA: Everyone needs to pull in one direction, but it’s bound to raise its head. You can’t blame the fans, though. The bandwagon has been built up and will continue.
ST: That’s not an issue. It could be argued the pro-blue campaign is more important to the future of the club than events on the pitch.
TP: Bluebirds fans will make their point time and again over the season, but will ensure there is no disruption during matches. There can be no excuses. Solskjaer took over at a difficult time last season, but this is his team.
CW: No, the side – and the manager – will stand or fall on their own ability.
Do you agree with any of their views, predictions and opinions?
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... ts-7557542?
Monday 4th August 2014
Where will Cardiff City finish next May?
Paul Abbandonato: They should be top with the firepower available, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is new to the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday grind of the Championship. Thus I’m going to say top six ... and the lottery of the play-offs.
Steve Tucker: Second.
Terry Phillips: In the play-offs with a good chance of another trip to Wembley. No better than that, though, I’m afraid.
Chris Wathan: They have the squad to challenge but I think the turnaround in players and the need to find a balance could make it a struggle to sustain anything other than a play-off berth.
Who are their main rivals for promotion?
PA: Fulham and Norwich, relegated with Cardiff, will be in the mix. So too Wigan, while expect Steve McClaren to make Derby a force. Outsiders? Kenny Jackett’s Wolves.
ST: Derby and Fulham.
Wolves might have a bit of momentum and Ipswich could be dark horses.
TP: Wigan and Derby are my tips for the two automatic places. Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff and Bolton for the play-offs.
CW: Take your pick – the joys of the Championship mean that almost everyone is a rival.
Narrowing it down, Mick McCarthy is showing signs of working his promotion magic with Ipswich, Norwich should have enough about them to push for an instant return while Wigan seemed to have built on their side from last year.
Don’t rule out Brentford or Kenny Jackett’s Wolves making the most of promotion momentum.
Who will be the key player/s?
PA: Mats Moller Daehli can take this Championship by storm, but ultimately it will hinge on who plays well at centre-forward. I’m hoping Kenwyne Jones surprises us, because technically and physically he has the attributes. If big Kenwyne gets it right, Cardiff will be a real force.
ST: The defenders. Solskjaer will have to have them organised or the Bluebirds will fail. I expect the forward play to take care of itself with the personnel available.
TP: David Marshall is the main man – and he must be given solid protection by the defenders in front of him. Cardiff have plenty of firepower, but need to be more effective when the opposition have possession. Solskjaer’s next signing must be a centre-half and he has to be the right man to help tighten things up.
CW: Now Jordon Mutch is off, while you’d hope Mats Daehli can provide the creativity so often missing last year but someone to put the ball away will be crucial; Adam Le Fondre’s signing could be key on that front.
Will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still be in a job by Xmas?
PA: I hope so. I’m still adamant he must be a better manager than shown with the Bluebirds thus far. But if Cardiff aren’t doing well early doors, lots of people reckon Vincent Tan will be ruthless.
ST: Yes. He is Vincent Tan’s appointment and will be stuck by unless results are too dreadful and the pressure becomes just too intense.
TP: Yes. Provided Cardiff are in a position from where they can push towards the top Vincent Tan will stick with him. Even if the Bluebirds do struggle early on Solskjaer will get until the new year to get things right.
CW: Like any manager, he will if he wins games.
Vincent Tan has made a rod for his own back should that not be the case – and you get the view fans will be a lot less tolerant.
If he isn't, who would Vincent Tan turn to as a replacement?
PA: Dave Jones. Don’t shoot the messenger, I think it’s a horrific prospect, but Tan does like Jones and has tried to employ him before as Director of Football.
ST: Neil Warnock. He’s not liked because he tells it as it is, but he would get Cardiff back up. Could he work with Tan? If you pay him enough money.
TP: Dave Jones is a friend of Vincent Tan. The two men talk football a lot – and Tan clearly has belief in Jones as a manager. If a change was made, I can see a situation where Jones returns to Cardiff City Stadium.
CW: I would say himself, following the likes of Ron Noades and Michael Knighton, but you really shouldn’t joke....
What do you make of Solskjaer's summer spending?
PA: Guerra, Le Fondre and Macheda make exciting captures. Dikgacoi is the type of midfield warrior required. The jury’s out on Burgstaller. But Cardiff badly need a new centre-back and possibly a full-back too. Neither position has been strengthened.
ST: Hope it turns out better than his January business. Guerra, Macheda and Le Fondre surely point to goals.
The only problem might be keeping them out the other end.
TP: Solskjaer’s January signings did not make enough of an impact, although Mats Daehli is an outstanding talent, but the five brought in so far this summer are more promising. Javi Guerra, Adam Le Fondre and Federico Macheda are more than capable of firing 15 or more goals, while Guido Berstaller and Kagisho Dikgacoi are highly effective in midfield.Burgstaller is strong, has quick feet and can pick a pass, while destroyer Dikgacoi will fill the role expected to be vacated by Gary Medel.
CW: He’s certainly given himself options up front and Dikgacoi was a very decent signing, but a lack of width concerns, another centre-back could still be needed and Solskjaer will have to show he can keep a rather large squad happy and united.
Should Cardiff have cashed in on David Marshall this summer?
PA: He can’t possibly have as good a season again. In the Premier League, Marshall was the best keeper on show, producing some truly world-class stops. His transfer value won’t be as high in the Championship, but he is a reassuring presence to have at the back for Solskjaer.
ST: No. Why cash in if you’ve got a billionaire-backer?
TP: No. The highest offer received for Marshall was £5m and City would have had to spent that on a replacement of the right quality. There was a lot of interest in Marshall, but only a few clubs offered hard cash.
CW: If he’s stuck to his budget and there wasn’t an offer to tempt then no.
He could be another key man, especially with Cardiff’s defence still looking vulnerable.
What formation should Ole play?
PA: I’m a great believer in the 4-2-3-1 modern-day formation, which quickly becomes 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 depending on whether you’re defending or going forward. Ole will probably go 4-4-2 though to maximise his abundance if striking options.
ST: 4-4-2. And Solskjaer should stop fiddling about and changing things. Find a side, stick to it. Dominate. Let others react to Cardiff’s threat.
TP: Solskjaer favours 4-4-2, but I believe 3-5-2 could suit the players. Juan Cala is a natural for sweeper role, while Fabio, Declan John and John Brayford are players who could shine as wing-backs. City played with three central defenders at Spurs last season and it worked well.
CW: It could be a case of a 4-4-2 diamond to accommodate the number of true strikers, with the emphasis on the full-backs providing width from a tight midfield.
Think the Netherlands at the World Cup.
What would be your preferred starting XI?
PA: Marshall; Brayford, Turner, Cala, Fabio; Dikgacoi, Whittingham; Noone, Bo-kyung, Daehli; Jones (if he fires) or Guerra.
ST: Marshall; Brayford, Cala, Turner, Fabio; Noone, Dikgacoi, Bo-kyung, Burgstaller; Macheda, Guerra.
TP: At Blackburn, when Cala is suspended: 4-4-2 Marshall; Brayford, Hudson, Turner, John; Burgstaller, Dikgacoi, Whittingham, Daehli; Guerra, Macheda.
CW: Marshall; Brayford, Cala, Hudson, John; Daehli, Dikgacoi, Bo-kyung, Whittingham; Le Fondre, Guerra.
Will the pro-blue campaign from the fans distract from the promotion push?
PA: Everyone needs to pull in one direction, but it’s bound to raise its head. You can’t blame the fans, though. The bandwagon has been built up and will continue.
ST: That’s not an issue. It could be argued the pro-blue campaign is more important to the future of the club than events on the pitch.
TP: Bluebirds fans will make their point time and again over the season, but will ensure there is no disruption during matches. There can be no excuses. Solskjaer took over at a difficult time last season, but this is his team.
CW: No, the side – and the manager – will stand or fall on their own ability.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:15 am
I'll be happy with a draw at Blackburn, and we need to make the play offs at a minimum!
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:17 am
CalShepCCFC wrote:I'll be happy with a draw at Blackburn, and we need to make the play offs at a minimum!
I predict a draw at Blackburn Cal too.
Play offs is an absolute minimum this season.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:27 am
CalShepCCFC wrote:I'll be happy with a draw at Blackburn, and we need to make the play offs at a minimum!
Cal, I will be happy with a draw at Blackburn as well, City need to go straight back up
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:27 am
I predict a goodish start sluggish mid season with a cracking finish _ top 
Blackburn 1-3 Bloobirds
Blackburn 1-3 Bloobirds
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:40 am
The only meaningful predictions about the final outcome this season can be made after 12 games, as always, because if we are in the mix then with the squad OGS has we will be in the mix until the end. If we are in the top 2 after the Forest game at home I think we will be there come the end of the season, same applies if we are in the top 6 or god forbid the bottom 3.
As regards Blackburn they are undefeated in pre-season so I'll predict a comfortable win for Cardiff 3-1.
As regards Blackburn they are undefeated in pre-season so I'll predict a comfortable win for Cardiff 3-1.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 11:52 am
A draw against Blackburn will make me VERY happy 
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 12:00 pm
The size of the squad always makes a difference and city's must be one of the biggest in the division.I also can't think of another side(with the possible exception of Fulham)that can have a bench as strong as ours.City at a canter for me.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 12:57 pm
Defeat at Blackburn....finishing 10th....on our 3rd manager by the end of the season.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 1:34 pm
guerra is obviously a good player but im surprised they all have him in there starting 11 when he hasn't shown much in pre season.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:49 pm
BluebirdsTilIDie wrote:guerra is obviously a good player but im surprised they all have him in there starting 11 when he hasn't shown much in pre season.
What is "showing" in your eyes? Only goals?
Look at the footage and you will see superb movement and positioning.
Lets see what happens when its games that matter.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:07 pm
We'll win the league, after a slow start.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:07 pm
Rovers 3 - cardiff 4.
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:12 pm
piss the league
Cardiff 4 jones x2 guera x1 le fondre x1 Blackburn 3 gestede x3
Cardiff 4 jones x2 guera x1 le fondre x1 Blackburn 3 gestede x3
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Mon Aug 04, 2014 11:00 pm
CHAMPIONS
Re: ' THE SEASON AHEAD - PREDICTIONS '
Tue Aug 05, 2014 10:40 pm
Last Season
Cardiff's very first season in the Premiership could not have been much more dramatic. They produced some excellent early season results as they showed they could be a side that took the Premiership in their stride. However, off field problems between Vincent Tan and Malky Mackay soon became the dominant story at the club with the owner Tan clearly demanding more control over the football side of the club. Results took a dip around the November period and it soon became clear Mackay was on borrowed time. The axe finally fell after a 3-0 home defeat to Southampton on boxing day. New manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed early in the new year and although the off field problems subsided, things struggled to improve on the field. Solskjaer's January signings from old club Molde failed to make an impact and they only won another three matches all season, ultimately finishing bottom of the table.
The Manager
Despite his famous and extraordinary playing career the jury is still out on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the manager in English football. Brought in from Molde in January 2013 after a successful period with the Norwegian side, which saw him win the title, he struggled to make an impact in the Premiership in the six months he was there. In many ways he seems to nice to be successful. He never question's a referee's decision and from the outside looks like he lacks the ruthlessness to be really successful.
Transfers
In: Javi Guerra (Real Valladolid), Guido Burgstaller (Rapid Vienna), Federico Macheda (Manchester Utd), Adam Le Fondre (Reading), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace)
Out: Andrew Taylor, Don Cowie (Wigan Athletic), Steven Caulker, Jordon Mutch (QPR), Fraizer Campbell (Crystal Palace), Craig Bellamy (Retired)
Loans Out: Ben Nugent (Yeovil Town), Kevin McNaughton (Bolton Wanderes), Jo Inge Berget (Celtic)
This Season
Cardiff have an excellent squad many of which were part of a promotion from the Championship just two seasons ago. They have the spine of a really good team although they will need to keep hold of those players during the rest of August. Their chances of returning to the Premiership at the first attempt rely on Solskjaer's ability to show a more ruthless side and Vincent Tan's ability to keep out of the on pitch affairs.
http://www.watford.vitalfootball.co.uk/ ... p?a=365553
Cardiff's very first season in the Premiership could not have been much more dramatic. They produced some excellent early season results as they showed they could be a side that took the Premiership in their stride. However, off field problems between Vincent Tan and Malky Mackay soon became the dominant story at the club with the owner Tan clearly demanding more control over the football side of the club. Results took a dip around the November period and it soon became clear Mackay was on borrowed time. The axe finally fell after a 3-0 home defeat to Southampton on boxing day. New manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed early in the new year and although the off field problems subsided, things struggled to improve on the field. Solskjaer's January signings from old club Molde failed to make an impact and they only won another three matches all season, ultimately finishing bottom of the table.
The Manager
Despite his famous and extraordinary playing career the jury is still out on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the manager in English football. Brought in from Molde in January 2013 after a successful period with the Norwegian side, which saw him win the title, he struggled to make an impact in the Premiership in the six months he was there. In many ways he seems to nice to be successful. He never question's a referee's decision and from the outside looks like he lacks the ruthlessness to be really successful.
Transfers
In: Javi Guerra (Real Valladolid), Guido Burgstaller (Rapid Vienna), Federico Macheda (Manchester Utd), Adam Le Fondre (Reading), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace)
Out: Andrew Taylor, Don Cowie (Wigan Athletic), Steven Caulker, Jordon Mutch (QPR), Fraizer Campbell (Crystal Palace), Craig Bellamy (Retired)
Loans Out: Ben Nugent (Yeovil Town), Kevin McNaughton (Bolton Wanderes), Jo Inge Berget (Celtic)
This Season
Cardiff have an excellent squad many of which were part of a promotion from the Championship just two seasons ago. They have the spine of a really good team although they will need to keep hold of those players during the rest of August. Their chances of returning to the Premiership at the first attempt rely on Solskjaer's ability to show a more ruthless side and Vincent Tan's ability to keep out of the on pitch affairs.
http://www.watford.vitalfootball.co.uk/ ... p?a=365553