Because the Bluebirds have an unknown quantity
By Chris Wathan
Friday 11th August 2017
Bruce will do his homework, long proven as a shrewd operator at this level. Indeed, whatever happens this weekend, it's a safe bet that he will be earning a fourth Premier League promotion with a third different club come May.
But Cardiff have plenty about them to have their Midlands visitors guessing and hopefully keeping them on the back foot. The options Warnock has worked himself means Bruce can't be sure whether the Bluebirds will start with the three centre-back combination they began at Burton against, or whether it will be the flat back four that finished the game.
Jazz Richards could come in as a second attacking full-back, or Lee Peltier could keep his place to offer an extra sturdy hand. Further forward, Danny Ward could partner Kenneth Zohore for two strikers, or there could be wingers involved. It goes on, but can also include individuals.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has much to prove at this level, but is making a good early go at it, while it will be fair to say they won't know much about Loic Damour. A surprise or two could await.
" Because where there's Zohore, there's a chance "
Cardiff's hope of victory relies on a performance from all eleven selected from Warnock, as well as those he calls upon from the bench.
But Zohore showed at Burton he only needs that one bit of space to let his confidence shine and continue the form that caught everyone by surprise last year.
He should be revelling in the chance of going up against two class centre-backs in Terry and Wales Euro 2016 hero James Chester, knowing he can really lay down a marker by impressing.
Zohore has a threat in different areas and he shouldn't be afraid to explore them and, if Cardiff can remain solid and keep themselves in the game, it gives him that opportunity to be the headline-grabber once more.
Sean Morrison said last week that knowing they have such an up-and-coming talent up top gives extra incentive to keep out opposition.
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