After last season’s testy encounter at the CCS, where two missed penalties in injury time meant Cardiff missed out on a point, this is the first meeting of Cardiff and Wolves in the Premier League. Expect fireworks as Warnock will want to get one over on Nuno and Wolves will be looking to arrest a slide that saw them lose to Huddersfield 2-0 last time out…
Cardiff City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Premier League
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
30th November 2018, 7:45pm (GMT)
Referee: Andre Marriner
How Cardiff might line-up…
And three things to watch out for…
Murphy to return. Arter on the wing was a failed experiment at Goodison. Arter works best when he’s breaking up play in the middle of the park, cutting out passes and making tackles. He was too removed on the wing and Murphy being sacrificed for him meant we lost a key attacking threat. Murphy should return as we need players getting down the line and attacking the goal.
http://gty.im/1057615354
The midfield four. Warnock shoe horned them all in at Everton to the detriment of Arter. In a feisty affair, you’d want both Arter and gunnarsson in there to deal with any fractious moments. But then does Victor start for that much needed ball carrier role? Or do we go for Ralls? My preference would be Victor but Ralls, rightly or wrongly, seems to start whenever he is fit. So it’s anyone’s guess really.
Bennett or Cunningham. As the season progresses, I feel like we are destined to have a revolving door at left back. Cunningham wasn’t terrible against Everton but made a mistake. Bennett, it could be argued, was dropped unfairly. There’s an argument for both to get the start; but it’s likely to be Bennett back in.
https://twitter.com/cardiffcityfc/status/1068581532040929280?s=21
Wolves players to watch out for
Reuben Neves was the difference in this fixture last year and Cardiff can ill afford to give away any set pieces within about 20 yards of the box. His precision is outstanding and he can score from anywhere.
http://gty.im/1065151978
Raul Jimenez is there top scorer with three goals. He started the season well but has tailed off some what in recent weeks. He’ll be looking to recapture early season form and with players like Moutinho behind him, Cardiff will need to be aware.
https://twitter.com/cardiffcityfc/status/1068582139841650689?s=21
Best case result
Wolves aren’t in the best form and their loss against Huddersfield will have hurt them. It’s going to be a cauldron-like atmosphere on a Friday night at the CCS and Cardiff will be looking to avenge the loss of last season. Cardiff know a result here is vital and with a rocket from Warnock, who’ll be looking to celebrate his 70th in style, Cardiff could take a 2-0 win.
Worst case result
Wolves are no mugs. A good manager, good signings, and a bit of edge to them. They know they need to rescue their season or they could face being dragged further towards the relegation battle – which is threatening to engulf the whole bottom half. It could be a repeat of last season – 1-0.