CHOICES FOR THE FA CUP GAME ON SATURDAY?

The alternative XI who could start for Cardiff City against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup this weekend
By Jamie Kemble

Cardiff City take on Mansfield Town in the FA Cup this weekend and the tie provides Neil Warnock with the opportunity to give minutes to fringe players.


Warnock’s hands have been tied in recent weeks with injuries plaguing the Bluebirds’ promotion attempts in recent weeks.

This weekend, however, Cardiff have a break from league action, where they’ve suffered four straight defeats, as they welcome League Two play-off hopefuls Mansfield Town to South Wales.

Injuries will still rule Neil Warnock’s team selection in some ways, but there are a number of possible returnees that could feature.

And while Warnock will want to respect Steve Evans and his team, he will also have the opportunity to give some time to the stars of development team. The veteran boss hasn’t used a single player under the age of 21 in the league this season.


So, regular starters aside, what starting XI could Neil Warnock go with this weekend?

Goalkeeper – Lee Camp

Lee Camp hasn’t played a single moment of senior football for Cardiff City yet after suffering an injury in the summer.

He hhas been playing for the development team in recent weeks, though, and this will be seen as a good opportunity to re-introduce him into senior football. If fit, he could well be the man called upon, or Brian Murphy may get the nod after starting against QPR on the weekend.

Other options: Neil Etheridge, Brian Murphy.


Right-back – Jazz Richards

Jazz Richards is another one of the many absentees who are on their way back and he returned to the bench for the defeat to QPR on the weekend.

His inclusion in the matchday squad at Loftus Road suggests he may be fit enough to get some minutes under his belt here. That will also give Warnock an opportunity to give the likes of Peltier, Paterson and Bennett a much-needed rest.

Other options: Callum Paterson, Lee Peltier, Joe Bennett, Matthew Connolly.


Centre-back – Matthew Connolly

Matthew Connolly started against QPR on the weekend, his first of the season in league football and he should keep his place here. Warnock will want to give fringe players minutes and he comes under that bracket.

Connolly will want to impress his boss on the pitch and he will surely have the opportunity to do that again against Mansfield Town.

Other options: Sol Bamba, Greg Halford.


Centre-back – Bruno Ecuele-Manga

It perhaps proves Cardiff’s lack of depth in this position that they can only really afford to rest one player, unless Greg Halford plays at centre-back.

Sean Morrison remains out until next weekend at least and Sol Bamba will surely be the man rested given his age. Bruno Ecuele-Manga is the more likely to have to continue in the back four.

Other options: Sol Bamba, Greg Halford.


Left-back – Cameron Coxe

Neil Warnock could well opt to go with Callum Paterson here, but if he doesn’t, the young Cameron Coxe could be given the opportunity to impress just like in the League Cup earlier this season.

The veteran boss seems to have taken a liking to Coxe and if one of the youngsters are called up, he’s probably the more likely.

Other options: Callum Paterson, Lee Peltier, Joe Bennett, Matthew Connolly.


Centre midfield – Greg Halford

Greg Halford’s biggest use in this Cardiff City squad is probably cup ties. He can step in and do a decent job against teams at Cardiff’s level or below and he will almost certainly start here if fit.

Halford’s inclusion will give Warnock a chance to rest the likes of Joe Ralls who has put in a lot of minutes with the injury situation.

Other options: Joe Ralls, Craig Bryson, Mark Harris.


Centre midfield – Loic Damour

Loic Damour has been in and out this season, but more so in with the injury problems Cardiff currently have. Though, it may be good for him to pick up some confidence against Mansfield this weekend.

He seems the less regular option from Ralls and Bryson and Warnock may want him to pick up more minutes this weekend. Quite frankly, there aren’t too many options with Bryson returning from injury and Ralls needing a rest.

Other options: Joe Ralls, Craig Bryson, Mark Harris.


Attacking midfield – Lee Tomlin

Neil Warnock needs Lee Tonlin to gain fitness and it’s not all going to come from training. If he’s not willing to risk Tomlin in league games, he has to give him the opportunity to get those minutes in during cup games.

Tomlin could also do with a confidence boost and he may get that if he can create or score goals against Mansfield this weekend. Young Mark Harris may get the opportunity to impress if Tomlin is left out, or he may get a run out off the bench.

Other options: Mark Harris, Anthony Pilkington, Junior Hoilett.


Right midfield – Kadeem Harris

Kadeem Harris has returned from injury for to feature in the development team and this, like many of his peers, may be a good opportunity to get some pressure-free minutes in, if deemed fit enough.

Harris hasn’t featured for the Bluebirds this season and he will be desperate for action. It’s better he gets his return in games like these, rather than pressure-filled Championship games when he’s expected to make an impact.

Other options: Junior Hoilett, Mark Harris, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.


Left midfield – Anthony Pilkington

Anthony Pilkington is still in the Cardiff City shop window and now the transfer window is open, he may get an opportunity to show any scouts or managers his ability.

There aren;t too many options for Warnock here if he wants to rest key players and Pilkington will always do a decent job. He’s shown a good attitude despite being left out, according to the Bluebirds’ boss, and

Other options: Junior Hoilett, Mark Harris, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Striker – Rhys Healey

Healey did rather well during his start against QPR and his cameo appearance off the bench against Preston North End.

This will be another good opportunity to build up his minutes and his confidence so that he can become a good option for Neil Warnock in the rest of this season. Omar Bogle is likely to start if Healey isn’t selected.

Other options: Omar Bogle, Kenneth Zohore, Anthony Pilkington.

Swear Coxe is a right back?

Healey can't play on his own up front. Hope Bogle plays....with Healey and Tomlin in support. Bennett may be selected if fit as well.

Swear Coxe is a right back?

Main position but can play either side when required

Swear Coxe is a right back?

Main position but can play either side when required

Makes more sense for Jazz on left then surely?

Swear Coxe is a right back?

Main position but can play either side when required

Makes more sense for Jazz on left then surely?

It does but I was just responding to the question

I wonder if Meite is cup tied, could be worth a run out before maybe loaning him back to Crawley? I also think both Mark Harris & Ben Wilson also deserve a run out.

Swear Coxe is a right back?

Main position but can play either side when required

Makes more sense for Jazz on left then surely?

It does but I was just responding to the question

Wasn't criticising don't worry

Id personally pick as strong a team as possible .We need to get that winning mentality back and a full week to rest before we play Sunderland. Bring on the youngsters if we are winning comfortably later on

Big Time Chance for any player to now step in and get a starting line up in weeks to come -Based on current results