Crewe Alexandra v. Cardiff City - Match Preview

High hopes?
By Chris O'Brien
August 9 2004

The new Football League season is finally upon us and the Bluebirds kick-off their second consecutive season in England's second flight with a visit to Gresty Road to face Crewe Alexandra.

A diabolical pre-season may have stopped any severe hype for the opening game of the newly-named Championship, but Lennie Lawrence will hope to put the disappointing summer behind him and lead his side to a better finish than last season's 13th.

Backed by a travelling support of 1,500 the Bluebirds have a handful of injury doubts ahead of tomorrow's clash. Welsh international Daniel Gabbidon is a fitness worry after picking up a jarred heel in the recent friendly against Lazio. Willie Boland and Peter Thorne were not included in that game against the Italians due to injuries and could both miss the visit to Cheshire.

There are a number of question marks over what Lawrence has in mind for tomorrow's starting line-up, but it is thought he would ideally like a back-four of Rhys Weston, Daniel Gabbidon, new acquisition Robert Page and Tony Vidmar. If Gabbidon is ruled out, James Collins will step into the breach.

Depending on Boland's fitness, the Irishman is set to line-up in midfield alongside Richard Langley, countryman Graham Kavanagh and John Robinson. Lee Bullock is likely to take Boland's place should he miss the game, with Paul Parry missing out completely. Indications seem to be showing that the left-winger may not even be named on the bench.

Despite all the speculation linking Robert Earnshaw away from the club, the Zambian-born forward will start up front tomorrow. Peter Thorne is Lawrence's favourite to partner the pint-size striker, but should he be deemed unfit then both Alan Lee and Andy Campbell will be hoping for a chance to impress.

After a howler against Lazio, Tony Warner is expected to find himself on the bench tomorrow with Martyn Margetson getting an earlier than expected chance of staking his claim for the first-team spot. The veteran seems to be the choice with the majority of fans, although expect the 6'5 former Liverpool and Celtic shot stopper to get an opportunity soon.

Lawrence goes into the new season in an optimistic mood and is convinced the side has improved significantly despite supporters voicing concerns over a lack of new signings. However, Cardiff's man in charge knows that the division is a stronger one than last term and expects a tough campaign.

"I think we're better placed. Teams have come down and teams have come up but I think everybody who was in the top half last season has strengthened this summer," said the City boss.

"We've improved, we've got three new players in and we hope to get more in to add to what we've got in terms of quality, and we've got one or two coming back from injury. So we're reasonably well placed but we're conscious of the fact it will be a tough year."

Crewe Alexandra are in a bit of a defensive crisis ahead of the game, with Chris McCready, Adie Moses and Anthony Tonkin all expected to miss the game through injury. Dario Gradi is expected to throw loan signing Leith Briggs straight into the starting XI, whilst another summer signing Mark Rivers will be hoping to start up front.

The club had a very busy yet successful pre-season, booking a number of friendlies to give trialist players run-outs. Of the 8 games arranged, Crewe won 5 friendly matches including a win over rivals Everton at Gresty Road. The other matches were all draws, with Stafford Rangers, Accrington Stanley and Port Vale claiming draws with the Railwaymen.

The opening day has been successful for City in recent seasons, having not lost a league curtain raiser since 1994. That day, the travelling Bluebirds were outclassed with a 4-1 defeat at Stockport. Last season the Bluebirds opened their first campaign in the division for 18 years with a 0-0 stalemate following an impressive defensive display against Rotherham United at Millmoor.

Cards could be expected to be flashed around Gresty Road tomorrow. Card-happy Mike Thorpe from Suffolk takes charge of the fixture, with the referee showing 99 yellow cards and 8 red cards in 33 fixtures last season.

For those who like a flutter, the bookies have Alex, as the home side, as slight favourites for victory typically priced at 7/5. An away win, predicted by Bluebird to the Bone, looks very tempting whilst the draw is at 11/5.

Enjoy the game...