Cardiff City is gearing up for their new season opener against Sunderland, with hopes of improving on last season’s 12th place finish. The team has made some new additions to the roster, but there have been challenges along the way, including missed striker targets and injuries to key players.
In goal, Ethan Horvath is expected to start as the No.1 goalkeeper, with Jak Alnwick as a strong backup option. Perry Ng and Dimitrios Goutas are likely to secure their spots in the defense. However, with Mark McGuinness dealing with fitness concerns, new signing Calum Chambers may get the chance to make his Championship debut.
Callum O’Dowda will have to play at left-back due to Jamilu Collins’ injury, while Manolis Siopis and Joe Ralls are expected to feature in central midfield. Aaron Ramsey is in good form and will take the No.10 spot. The forward line is likely to include Chris Willock, Yakou Meite, and Callum Robinson.
Looking ahead, the starting XI could see changes with the addition of Alex Robertson and Anwar El Ghazi, who are not bench options but key players. It remains to be seen how they will fit into the midfield, considering the strong performances of Siopis and Ralls. Manager Erol Bulut is also on the lookout for another striker to strengthen the team.
When everyone is fit and firing, the potential strongest XI could include Horvath in goal, Ng, Goutas, Chambers, and O’Dowda in defense, Siopis, Robertson in midfield, and El Ghazi, Ramsey, and Willock in the attacking positions, with Kanga leading the line as the starting No.9.
As the season progresses, Cardiff City fans can expect to see some changes in the lineup as players settle in and new signings make their mark on the team. The team’s depth and competition for positions bode well for an exciting and competitive season ahead.