Welcome to Cardiff City’s Season AW (after win). It’s amazing what a win can do for the confidence levels but after beating Fulham last week, Cardiff City’s tails will be up and we’ll be buoyant as we go to play *checks notes* oh. Liverpool. Going to need a bit more than confidence to see this one through, lads…
Liverpool vs. Cardiff City
Premier League
Anfield, Liverpool
27th October 2018, 3pm (BST)
Referee: Stuart Atwell
Starting XI
And three things to watch out for…
A change is gonna come. Warnock said in his pre-match presser that both Arter and Murphy are struggling with knocks and at least one change would be made. In my view, Murphy will be the one protected. This is because he’s already had a couple of injuries this season and protecting him for the forthcoming games against Leicester, Brighton, Wolves, Southampton makes much more sense. Arter would run through brick walls and I can see him being rested.
https://twitter.com/cardiffcityfc/status/1055812473901719552?s=12
Who replaces Murphy? Both Damour and Harris came off the bench last week and Harris is the natural replacement for Murphy. Harris is coming up to 7 years at Cardiff City and his goal last week could be another breakthrough moment for him. Let’s hope it’s not a false dawn.
Freedom for Victor. No mention from Neil about Gunnar’s troubles after he went off last week and I hope he starts – because it frees up Victor for more attacking play. He’s our best footballer and his attacking moments last week were great. He takes players on, slows it down to allow others to get up to speed, and then puts in pivotal crosses. If we can get him playing further up the pitch, he’s going to contribute more and more.
http://gty.im/1052627320
Players to watch out for
Is Salah their talisman? Or does Firmino make them tick? Can’t overlook Mane. Truthfully, it’s churlish to pick out one player who Cardiff need to be aware of. Liverpool have stepped up another gear this season and Klopp has them purring at times. Salah hasn’t quite reached the same heights as last season yet but the signs are there. Firmino is a class act and maybe doesn’t get the headlines he deserves being in the shadow of Salah. And Mane would start for every club in the Premier League. We’re going to have our hands full.
Best case result?
Bushy tails, a bit of confidence, the belief that last week wasn’t a one off rather a culmination of weeks of decent performances. We know our backs are going to be against the wall at Anfield but we thought the same going to Tottenham. Against Chelsea, we held our own for 40 minutes until Hazard decided to step it up a gear. If we can stay solid, keep a strong backline early on, then a draw could be in the offing here. 1-1.
https://twitter.com/cardiffcityfc/status/1055783816432939008?s=12
Worst case result?
With their firepower, their free flowing football, it could be a big loss. Warnock said it’s almost impossible to go the Anfield and get a win and he’s right. We aren’t going to be the only club to struggle their this season – and bigger clubs than us will fail too. We have to consider that they could dish out a meaty victory. 3-0.