Vital Cardiff editor ‘Bluebirdshroom` helps us preview Saturday`s clash against the league-leaders at Vicarage Road
Vital Cardiff editor ‘Bluebirdshroom` helps us preview Saturday`s clash against the league-leaders at Vicarage Road…
Are Cardiff finally going to wrap up promotion this season?
You would think so! However, Cardiff fans have learnt never to take it for granted and with a trip to Hull City on the last day we won’t be safe until mathematically uncatchable.
What`s been the difference between this season & last?
We’re playing worse, but winning more! Last season we dominated games but with opposing teams pushing forward in the last 10 minutes we often succumbed and dropped vital points.
This season we’ve not played to the same level but are more resolute and confident in holding onto what we do have.
We`ve got three players on 10+ goals [Abdi, Deeney & Vydra], you`ve got none, have the goals really been that shared around?
Yes! I have no doubt that, but for his injury, Nicky Maynard would have dominated our scoring chart.
Fraizer Campbell has an excellent goals to games ratio but only recently joined while the likes of Helguson, Bellamy and Smith are not out-and-out goalscorers. We also had quite a few set piece goals earlier in the season where the defenders chipped in.
Who will be the key man on Saturday?
Kim Bo Kyung could well be – even though he may not be playing!
Kim was excellent on Monday and ran the show for us making a rare start in midfield. If selected, he could do the same against Watford and you guys certainly won`t know much about him. However, it seems likely Malky might opt for Whittingham or Cowie in a more defensive set-up which would definitely hand Watford the initiative.
How are ex-Hornets Helguson, Smith, Mutch, Cowie & Taylor all doing?!
I think we knew what to expect from Helguson and Smith. Both have been effective and enjoyed good spells. Smith has not been as effective since injury and is struggling for form.
Andrew Taylor is improving all the time; he is much stronger in defence and more confident in attack – pleased with his progress. Cowie divides opinions and will never be a ‘world-beater’ but his recent contributions have been pretty good.
Mutch is a difficult one to answer: he started off the season in great form, tailed off somewhat then missed months with injury. He returned from the foot problem, but looked more like a lost giraffe than the powerful and creative midfielder he can be. However, on Monday he was outstanding and back to his best so I hope he keeps his place.
Any injuries/suspensions?
Mark Hudson and Fraizer Campbell i.e. our best defender and most potent attacker. Maynard is, of course, out for the season too.
Match prediction?
Prior to the Blackburn win I would have been very apprehensive about this one but with the big improvement in form we are certainly capable of anything. I’d say Watford are favourites but a 2-2 draw is my best guess.
Cheers Bluebirdshroom. Remember to check Vital Cardiffto see how I answered some similar questions on the ‘Orns!
