Three reasons for Cardiff to go to Newcastle without fear
By Jamie Kemble
Wednesday 2nd November 2016
Cardiff travel to the St James’ Park on Saturday in the hope of gaining vital points against the league-leaders.
Newcastle have an excellent balance and despite starting slowly they now lead the Championship by three points. Cardiff however, have struggled and despite building some momentum under Warnock, gaining seven points from nine they lost to Wigan on the weekend to leave them just a point off the relegation places.
If Cardiff want to avoid relegation, they will need to start picking up points and fast.
Cardiff however must not fear anyone in this division, and this brings us onto three reasons why Cardiff shouldn’t fear Newcastle this weekend.
Cardiff have a massive aerial threat
Its been there all season for everyone to see, but Cardiff are a major threat in the air and this is where Newcastle are most vulnerable. This was clear to see, especially at the start of the season where they struggled to pick up points.
Last weekend they also struggled to deal with Preston’s set-pieces and when long balls came into the box with the score 1-2 they struggled to deal with the likes of Jermaine Beckford in the penalty area with balls coming in thick and fast.
Newcastle will have to be very wary of the threat that Cardiff have in the air, especially with the likes of Sol Bamba, Sean Morrison and even Lee Peltier who despite being just five foot eleven can be a real menace in the air.
In fact, against Bristol City he won every single won of his aerial battles so the Magpies will have to keep a close eye on the former Bluebirds captain. Ultimately the Bluebirds have experienced striker Rickie Lambert up front who is capable of winning just about anything in the air, and has exhibited this throughout his career.
Cardiff also scored twice from crosses against Nottingham Forest, with both Joe Ralls and Aron Gunnarsson both scoring via headers.
If Cardiff are to cause an upset at the Sports Direct arena then set-pieces could be key to their success.
The Warnock effect
Since taking over from Paul Trollope, Warnock has acquired seven points from a possible twelve. He’s got the passion flowing back at the club, and their seems to be more belief among the Cardiff camp than there was under Trollope. Cardiff have got a lot more success in the wide areas, this has been especially clear in the home games under the Warnock reign.
Warnock also appears to be getting the best out of Craig Noone, which seemed like an impossible task. He’s a more direct player under Warnock, and is no longer afraid to get injured. In the game at the City ground two weeks ago he was probably the stand out player in that second half. On the topic of changing players fortunes around, Aron Gunnarsson. He looks hungry again.
Since Warnock’s arrival he has been City’s most influential player, and his determination has come back. Was superb in the defeat against Wigan and unfortunate to get on the score sheet.
Warnock is a self-driven manager, and isn’t afraid of anything. If something doesn’t work he will try something different to make it work. He’s got the experience that Cardiff need, and has that incentive of a record eight promotion.
If Cardiff can get a point, or even three at Newcastle this weekend it could be down to the managerial excellence in which Warnock possesses.
Best yet to come from Cardiff
Cardiff’s best performance this season probably came against Bristol City, but apart from that their performances have been ordinary. They have yet to play well for a full ninety minutes, and this could come as a concern for their opposition because they are bound to have one game where they perform well for the full ninety.
Cardiff seem to have a lack of concentration, even under Neil Warnock they have let games nearly slip away, such as the Nottingham Forest game where they were cruising up until Gunnarsson brought down Henri Lansbury for a penalty, and then it was an all new ball game.
In the Bristol City game the visitors missed a guilt edge chance in the dying seconds and even in the Wednesday game where they let a one goal lead slip to draw.
This is something that Warnock would have stressed to his players, but it could come soon as Cardiff have provided glimpses of excellence in the four games that Warnock has been in charge for.
Could their best performance come against high-flying Newcastle?
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