r00fie1
Well-known member
Its that time again.
Off the back of two home victories - can we make it the third on the trot?
Can this really be the "lift-off" we have been hoping for?
The "emergency team" - cobbled together to overcome injuries - has performed well and many of the lads have shown they are more than worth a start - not off the bench, but from the beginning of the 80!
A nod there to Martin Payero and Josh Coburn.
A big high-fives
to Matt Crooks, who is becoming a folk - hero amongst fans - because of his sheer determination, agility, willingness to get stuck in - and that brilliant header on Wednesday......
A big "Yes" to Sol Bamba.
His contribution has been immense: for a man who has stared his own mortality in the face - hes come back, got fit and has been irreplaceable. He is a leader, a role model and a bluddy good bloke to have around the place
* Its "Black History Month" in the UK - its actually Black History Month all year - so I have included a selection of some of the most important Black pioneers in British football.
* Look out for the articles on Andrew Taylor and Joe Bennett - two players who have turned out in both Boro and Cardiff shirts.
* There are the usual features and reviews, stats and the table to ponder.
I hope we have a good day in the Welsh Capital and those fans [already on their way from Boro] come back smiling.
Lets start with a look back at the match on Wednesday:
Mick McCarthy’s men face Middlesbrough at Cardiff City Stadium this weekend, with an early kick-off in the Welsh capital. Boro arrive in South Wales on Saturday, October 23rd, with kick-off at 12:30pm.
Opposition Focus: Season so far
Following a mixed start to the campaign, Middlesbrough head to South Wales having won both of their matches since the international break. Neil Warnock’s side currently sit in 10th position in the Championship table, with 18 points from their 13 fixtures. Boro have tasted success on five occasions this term, drawing three matches and losing a further five.
Middlesbrough’s inconsistent opening to the 2021/22 season was characterised from their opening seven fixtures, which saw them win just twice. Boro picked up their first victory of the campaign with a home triumph over Bristol City, but then went four matches without a win, suffering defeats to Queens Park Rangers and Coventry City and drawing with Derby County and Blackburn Rovers. Their second win of the season came at the City Ground, with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in mid-September.
After a disappointing run of results, Boro have enjoyed a recent run of strong form, winning three of their past four matches to slowly climb up the league table. A 2-0 home victory against recently relegated Sheffield United was followed by a disappointing 2-0 loss to Hull City before the international break. Another set of 2-0 victories have followed since the return of domestic action, with Boro leaving it late to defeat Peterborough United last weekend before a commanding win over Barnsley in midweek.
Matt Crooks joined Middlesbrough in late July, after enjoying a standout 2020/21 campaign with Rotherham United. Despite suffering relegation from the second tier, Crooks scored six goals and recorded three assists from 40 Championship appearances, attracting plenty of interest after the Millers returned to League One. The 27-year-old, who came through the ranks with Huddersfield Town, netted a late goal on Wednesday evening as Boro dispatched Barnsley on home turf, securing three points with the second in a 2-0 win for Warnock’s side.
Martín Payero began his career with Banfield in his native Argentina in 2017, and made 11 appearances in the Argentine Primera División in 2020/21. The creative midfielder, who had previously impressed on loan at fellow Argentine side Tallares, was announced as a Boro player in early August, days after returning from the 2020 Toyko Olympic Games, where he played in Argentina’s three group matches. The 23-year-old has made five appearances in a Middlesbrough shirt this season, playing the full 90 minutes in their last two league matches.
Andraž Šporar has made an instant impact at the Riverside after joining Boro on loan from Sporting Lisbon. The 27-year-old striker has made eight appearances for Neil Warnock’s side and has netted twice, including the opening goal against Barnsley in midweek. Šporar, who has 33 caps and five goals for the Slovenian national team, signed for Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal back in August, having spent the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan with S.C. Braga. In 2019, the forward scored 34 goals in 36 games to help Slovan Bratislava win the Slovakian league title.
Isaiah Jones has broken into the First Team fold at Boro this season, featuring on twelve occasions in the Championship this term. The London-born winger made the move to Teesside in 2019, and made his First Team debut for the club in an FA Cup tie in January 2020. So far this season, the 22-year-old has made seven starts and five substitute appearances for Boro, recording three assists in the first three matches of the campaign. After a run of appearances from the bench, Jones played the full 90 minutes in Boro’s midweek win over Barnsley.
English
Cardiff City play host to former manager Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough on Saturday lunchtime seeking to put a halt to their worst run of form since 1934.
The Bluebirds are hovering right above the relegation zone on the back of seven successive defeats, whereas Boro are up in 10th thanks to back-to-back victories.
Not many expected Mick McCarthy to still be in charge for Cardiff's trip to Fulham following their humiliating 3-0 loss at the hands of rivals Swansea City three days prior.
Indeed, even City CEO Ken Choo hinted ahead of the game that McCarthy appeared to be on his way out, but the Yorkshireman remains in charge for this visit of Boro.
McCarthy made mass changes for the Fulham match, including a change of formation, and the Bluebirds performed well for 45 minutes against promotion-chasing Fulham.
However, goals from Tom Cairney on his return from a long-term injury and Aleksandar Mitrovic - his 13th in 13 games this term - condemned Cardiff to yet another loss.
Rather worryingly, the Welsh side have scored just once across their seven game losing run - and even that was a consolation in a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.
© Reuters
A win against Boro may well keep McCarthy in the job for a bit longer, but many of those in attendance would no doubt much rather have opposite number Warnock in the home dugout.
The veteran boss guided the Bluebirds to promotion in 2018 and is now looking to do likewise with Middlesbrough in his second season in charge at the Riverside Stadium.
The Smoggies made a pretty underwhelming start to the season, but three 2-0 wins in their last four matches have helped move them to within three points of the playoffs.
Those victories have each come at home, with their last two away games ending in defeat, but Cardiff have lost their last five home matches in all competitions.
Cardiff City Championship form:
Knowing that something had to give following the loss to Swansea, McCarthy reverted to a back four against Fulham and dropped skipper Sean Morrison to the bench.
Perry Ng and Joel Bagan were brought in from the cold, while Rubin Colwill was also handed a first start since August just off striker Kieffer Moore, who has struggled this term.
Cardiff may have fallen to a 2-0 loss at Craven Cottage, but McCarthy will take positives from the first half and may name a similar XI here.
As for Middlesbrough, Warnock brought in Isaiah Jones and Lee Peltier for the 2-0 win over Barnsley in midweek and should go with a near-identical lineup on Saturday.
However, Boro have failed to score in four of their last five away league games, so the ex-Cardiff boss may could always spring a surprise and alter formation slightly.
Former Bluebirds favourites Sol Bamba and Peltier, who only missed the Peterborough win because of suspension, seem certain to start at the back.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Ng, Flint, McGuiness, Bagan; Vaulks, Pack; Giles, Bowen, Colwill; Moore
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Lumley; McNair, Bamba, Peltier; Tavernier, Crooks, Howson, Jones; Payero, Sporar, Watmore
Boro have themselves lost successive games on their travels, though, and despite being in better form overall, we can see Warnock's men being held to a draw on Saturday.
Off the back of two home victories - can we make it the third on the trot?
Can this really be the "lift-off" we have been hoping for?
The "emergency team" - cobbled together to overcome injuries - has performed well and many of the lads have shown they are more than worth a start - not off the bench, but from the beginning of the 80!
A nod there to Martin Payero and Josh Coburn.
A big high-fives
to Matt Crooks, who is becoming a folk - hero amongst fans - because of his sheer determination, agility, willingness to get stuck in - and that brilliant header on Wednesday......A big "Yes" to Sol Bamba.
His contribution has been immense: for a man who has stared his own mortality in the face - hes come back, got fit and has been irreplaceable. He is a leader, a role model and a bluddy good bloke to have around the place
* Its "Black History Month" in the UK - its actually Black History Month all year - so I have included a selection of some of the most important Black pioneers in British football.
* Look out for the articles on Andrew Taylor and Joe Bennett - two players who have turned out in both Boro and Cardiff shirts.
* There are the usual features and reviews, stats and the table to ponder.
I hope we have a good day in the Welsh Capital and those fans [already on their way from Boro] come back smiling.
Lets start with a look back at the match on Wednesday:
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Cardiff View:
Mick McCarthy’s men face Middlesbrough at Cardiff City Stadium this weekend, with an early kick-off in the Welsh capital. Boro arrive in South Wales on Saturday, October 23rd, with kick-off at 12:30pm.
The Bluebird | Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough
Opposition Focus: Season so far
Following a mixed start to the campaign, Middlesbrough head to South Wales having won both of their matches since the international break. Neil Warnock’s side currently sit in 10th position in the Championship table, with 18 points from their 13 fixtures. Boro have tasted success on five occasions this term, drawing three matches and losing a further five.
Middlesbrough’s inconsistent opening to the 2021/22 season was characterised from their opening seven fixtures, which saw them win just twice. Boro picked up their first victory of the campaign with a home triumph over Bristol City, but then went four matches without a win, suffering defeats to Queens Park Rangers and Coventry City and drawing with Derby County and Blackburn Rovers. Their second win of the season came at the City Ground, with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in mid-September.
After a disappointing run of results, Boro have enjoyed a recent run of strong form, winning three of their past four matches to slowly climb up the league table. A 2-0 home victory against recently relegated Sheffield United was followed by a disappointing 2-0 loss to Hull City before the international break. Another set of 2-0 victories have followed since the return of domestic action, with Boro leaving it late to defeat Peterborough United last weekend before a commanding win over Barnsley in midweek.
Opposition Focus: Summer signings
Uche Ikpeazu scored six goals for Wycombe Wanderers during his debut season in the second tier, with his performances catching the eye of the Boro boss, who brought the forward to the Riverside Stadium in early July. The 26-year-old featured for Reading and Watford early in his career, before enjoying a prolific spell with Cambridge United between 2016 and 2018. After a stint in Scotland with Hearts, Ikpeazu returned to the EFL with the Chairboys ahead of their maiden season in the Championship. Since arriving at Middlesbrough, the striker has netted two goals and provided one assist.Matt Crooks joined Middlesbrough in late July, after enjoying a standout 2020/21 campaign with Rotherham United. Despite suffering relegation from the second tier, Crooks scored six goals and recorded three assists from 40 Championship appearances, attracting plenty of interest after the Millers returned to League One. The 27-year-old, who came through the ranks with Huddersfield Town, netted a late goal on Wednesday evening as Boro dispatched Barnsley on home turf, securing three points with the second in a 2-0 win for Warnock’s side.
Martín Payero began his career with Banfield in his native Argentina in 2017, and made 11 appearances in the Argentine Primera División in 2020/21. The creative midfielder, who had previously impressed on loan at fellow Argentine side Tallares, was announced as a Boro player in early August, days after returning from the 2020 Toyko Olympic Games, where he played in Argentina’s three group matches. The 23-year-old has made five appearances in a Middlesbrough shirt this season, playing the full 90 minutes in their last two league matches.
Opposition Focus: Ones to watch
Paddy McNair has been an integral member of the Middlesbrough squad since his arrival on Teesside in 2018, and has made 124 appearances in total for the club. A product of the Manchester United academy, McNair has operated in central defence and central midfield throughout his career, and has developed a sturdy partnership alongside Jonny Howson in the centre of Boro’s midfield. A Northern Ireland international, the 26-year-old has netted ten goals during his time at the Riverside, including a match-winning penalty against Peterborough United last weekend, and also provided two assists in Middlesbrough’s midweek win over Barnsley.Andraž Šporar has made an instant impact at the Riverside after joining Boro on loan from Sporting Lisbon. The 27-year-old striker has made eight appearances for Neil Warnock’s side and has netted twice, including the opening goal against Barnsley in midweek. Šporar, who has 33 caps and five goals for the Slovenian national team, signed for Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal back in August, having spent the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan with S.C. Braga. In 2019, the forward scored 34 goals in 36 games to help Slovan Bratislava win the Slovakian league title.
Isaiah Jones has broken into the First Team fold at Boro this season, featuring on twelve occasions in the Championship this term. The London-born winger made the move to Teesside in 2019, and made his First Team debut for the club in an FA Cup tie in January 2020. So far this season, the 22-year-old has made seven starts and five substitute appearances for Boro, recording three assists in the first three matches of the campaign. After a run of appearances from the bench, Jones played the full 90 minutes in Boro’s midweek win over Barnsley.
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Match Preview:
courtesy of Sports Mole:
www.sportsmole.co.uk
courtesy of Sports Mole:
Preview: Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team
Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship match between
Preview: Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups
By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 1d
Cardiff City play host to former manager Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough on Saturday lunchtime seeking to put a halt to their worst run of form since 1934.
The Bluebirds are hovering right above the relegation zone on the back of seven successive defeats, whereas Boro are up in 10th thanks to back-to-back victories.
Match preview
Not many expected Mick McCarthy to still be in charge for Cardiff's trip to Fulham following their humiliating 3-0 loss at the hands of rivals Swansea City three days prior.
Indeed, even City CEO Ken Choo hinted ahead of the game that McCarthy appeared to be on his way out, but the Yorkshireman remains in charge for this visit of Boro.
McCarthy made mass changes for the Fulham match, including a change of formation, and the Bluebirds performed well for 45 minutes against promotion-chasing Fulham.
However, goals from Tom Cairney on his return from a long-term injury and Aleksandar Mitrovic - his 13th in 13 games this term - condemned Cardiff to yet another loss.
Rather worryingly, the Welsh side have scored just once across their seven game losing run - and even that was a consolation in a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.
A win against Boro may well keep McCarthy in the job for a bit longer, but many of those in attendance would no doubt much rather have opposite number Warnock in the home dugout.
The veteran boss guided the Bluebirds to promotion in 2018 and is now looking to do likewise with Middlesbrough in his second season in charge at the Riverside Stadium.
The Smoggies made a pretty underwhelming start to the season, but three 2-0 wins in their last four matches have helped move them to within three points of the playoffs.
Those victories have each come at home, with their last two away games ending in defeat, but Cardiff have lost their last five home matches in all competitions.
Cardiff City Championship form:
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
- W
- L
- W
- W
Team News
Knowing that something had to give following the loss to Swansea, McCarthy reverted to a back four against Fulham and dropped skipper Sean Morrison to the bench.
Perry Ng and Joel Bagan were brought in from the cold, while Rubin Colwill was also handed a first start since August just off striker Kieffer Moore, who has struggled this term.
Cardiff may have fallen to a 2-0 loss at Craven Cottage, but McCarthy will take positives from the first half and may name a similar XI here.
As for Middlesbrough, Warnock brought in Isaiah Jones and Lee Peltier for the 2-0 win over Barnsley in midweek and should go with a near-identical lineup on Saturday.
However, Boro have failed to score in four of their last five away league games, so the ex-Cardiff boss may could always spring a surprise and alter formation slightly.
Former Bluebirds favourites Sol Bamba and Peltier, who only missed the Peterborough win because of suspension, seem certain to start at the back.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Ng, Flint, McGuiness, Bagan; Vaulks, Pack; Giles, Bowen, Colwill; Moore
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Lumley; McNair, Bamba, Peltier; Tavernier, Crooks, Howson, Jones; Payero, Sporar, Watmore
We say: Cardiff City 1-1 Middlesbrough
Cardiff are on their worst run of form at home since 1974 and never before have they lost six games on the bounce on their own patch.Boro have themselves lost successive games on their travels, though, and despite being in better form overall, we can see Warnock's men being held to a draw on Saturday.
R00fie`s prediciton.
* Heart: 2-0 Boro
* Head: 1-1
* Heart: 2-0 Boro
* Head: 1-1
