Wed Oct 19, 2016 5:46 am
' MAROUANE CHAMAKH / KIERAN RICHARDSON ? '
" WILL MAROUANE CHAMAKH & OR KIERAN RICHARDSON START TONIGHT? "
By Phil Smith
Wednesday 19th October 2016
' The case for Marouane Chamakh '
Chamakh would undeniably add a new dimension to the Bluebirds attack. Since his deadline day arrival, Cardiff have been entirely reliant on former England striker Rickie Lambert to lead the line. Lambert has played in all seven matches since his move from West Brom, and at the age of 34 he has already been let down by his body once this season - limping off after 13 minutes in the 2-0 defeat to Derby. With a match away to Nottingham Forest just three days after the Sheffield Wednesday game, now may not be a bad time to give the striker a rest.
Warnock is short of other options in an attacking area, and said when he signed Chamakh: "He works hard and he's a team player. He can play up front or in the hole, he's got a good brain."
Chamakh would provide Cardiff with a striker who could run beyond the defensive line and latch onto through balls, as opposed to the target man role performed by Lambert. The Moroccan's goal scoring record may not be prolific - 100 goals in 438 appearances - but Warnock has worked with Chamakh before and obviously liked what he saw. With him only signing on a very short term deal until January, Chamakh will need to be given a chance sooner rather than later.
' The case for Kieran Richardson '
As he has grown older, Richardson's greatest asset has become his versatility. Able to play in the centre or on the left of midfield as well as left back, the eight-cap England international is a useful squad member for the Bluebirds.
As well as his versatility, Richardson brings a wealth of Premier League experience. Against Bristol City Joe Bennett made his debut at left back after a two-month injury lay off, while another debutant, Junior Hoilett, started on the left wing. There is a case for replacing either man with Richardson on Wednesday night.
Hoilett showed some exciting flashes of what he could bring, notably some sublime first touches and a sharp turn of pace. But he looked a little rusty and was blowing hard by the time he was taken off just after the 70 minute mark. Bennett meanwhile was steady but there were some question marks about his culpability in Bristol's only goal.
Richardson would be a very dependable option in either position, and as the season wears on his experience will come to the fore. He is unlikely to let Cardiff down.