Opposition view: Cardiff City

By Ric Turner, Sat 24 August 2013 09:44


Opposition view: Cardiff CityAll you need to know about Cardiff, courtesy of Nathan Walker (www.cardiffcity-mad.co.uk) and Michael Morris (www.cardiffcity-mad.co.uk)

What are your expectations this season?

Nathan: Battle bravely against relegation! Defeat at Upton Park last weekend made fans aware that this is going to be a long hard season. With some luck we can make our stadium a fortress and pick up quite a few points. 17th for me.

Michael: As a newly promoted club the obvious answer is survival. I hope though that we show some fight and actually earn a place in the Premier League next season rather than face a season long battle against relegation.

Are you happy with the manager?

Nathan: Very. Malky Mackay did brilliant to get us up as Champions. His passion and drive will make sure the players never give up, which could make the difference. If results do go wrong, I hope the Board don't make a rash decision. One of the brightest young managers in British football.

Michael: Yes, very organised and efficient. He will need to up his game though as will the players to succeed in this division.

Who are your key players?

Nathan: The spine of the team are crucial. Marshall in goals is a fantastic keeper and will be busy all year. Steven Caulker is our main centre back and showed at Spurs last year that he is reliable in the Premier League. The main man in midfield is Kim Bo Kyung. The South Korean is probably our most technically gifted player! Alongside him will be 'El Pitbull' Gary Medel. A Chilean midfield destroyer with a severe temperament issue. Frazier Campbell is no stranger to the Premier League and will be influential to our attack alongside our Danish striker Andreas Cornelius.

Michael: Craig Bellamy still has something to offer with his Premier League experience. Kim Bo-Kyung could be a star player and new signings Caulker, Medel and Cornelius will be expected to deliver as they have big money price tags.

Were you happy with the business conducted during the January transfer window?

Nathan: Very happy. We signed Fraizer Campbell which gave the team an extra bite for the Championship run in which proved vital.

Michael: On paper it seems OK. I think we need some more strength though.

Are there any rising stars in the squad that we might not have heard of?

Nathan: Joe Mason, an Irish striker has the potential to be a key player. Declan John, an 18 year old left back is expected to play a big part this season.

Michael: Kim Bo-Kyung. Midfielder, a South Korean international.

Your Achilles heel?

Nathan: As said, Declan John will play a big part this year. The inexperience may get the better of him at times.

Michael: Lack of experience at this level. We need to wise up and play at a higher temp than we've needed to before.

If you could have any City player in your team who would you choose?

Nathan: Yaya Toure. Is there a more complete player on the planet? He's like a created player on FIFA13 that you put all the stats to 99. He's fast, big, strong, can tackle, hell of a shot, can dribble and is a great passer of the ball. Thank god there's only one of him.

Michael: Yaya Toure. Someone to lead through the midfield.

What is your perception of City as a club?

Nathan: City seem like the working class club of Manchester which is a great thing. Maybe that's down to Oasis! They're my type of club even since the Takeover. I prefer them to United for certain.

Michael: I've always had a soft spot for MCFC since I was a kid. You have to admire the talent on offer to watch but then any club who is bankrolled with unlimited funds can do that.

Likely starting XI for the game, and score prediction?

Nathan: Marshall
Brayford Caulker Hudson Taylor
Noone Medel Kimbo Bellamy
Campbell Cornelius

Michael: Marshall, Taylor, Caulker, Turner, Brayford, Kim, Medel, Whittingham, Bellamy, Campbell, Cornelius
Cardiff City 1 - 3 Man City