Cardiff City v. Stoke City - Match Preview

In For Stick !!
By Chris O'Brien
August 27 2004

The City will look to put the disappointment of two consecutive Football League Championship defeats behind them when they entertain Stoke City at Ninian Park. Willie Boland could be set for a return to the stating line-up, whilst Peter Thorne is not fit to face his former club.

Things will have to improve as Cardiff City take on rivals Stoke City at Ninian Park on Saturday, following three consecutive woeful performances which has really put the heat on manager Lennie Lawrence.

Championship defeats against Plymouth and Ipswich were followed by a luck-filled League Cup victory over Kidderminster Harriers, with the League Two outfit looking stronger than their more illustrious opposition. Defensive frailties have once again been evident, and team spirit seems to have died so fans will be looking for change as the Potteries roll into town.

Tomorrow's game will have that extra edge with a lot of rivalry between the two clubs in recent years. City's infamous play-off defeat at the hands of Stoke in 2002 still lives long in the memory, whilst serious crowd trouble at the Britannia Stadium in 2000 didn't help matters. Add to this Graham Kavanagh and Peter Thorne, former Stoke stars, in the City squad and you have an atmosphere close to that of a South Wales or Severn derby.

However, Thorne will not be available for selection tomorrow with injury troubles meaning Alan Lee looks set to line-up alongside Robert Earnshaw upfront. Willie Boland played 120 minutes at Kidderminster during mid-week and looks to have recovered from his knee troubles so could start alongside Graham Kavanagh, in for plenty of abuse from the travelling fans, in the middle of the park. Jobi McAnuff should make his home debut on the right flank, whilst Lawrence decided whether to go with the experienced John Robinson on the left of midfield or the youth of Paul Parry.

Lawrence is facing something of a selection crisis at the back ahead of the game following Tony Vidmar's dismissal at Aggborough. The Australian is suspended with Gary Croft injured and Chris Barker out on loan, ironically with Stoke although he cannot play on the weekend due to a clause in the terms of the temporary move. The club had hoped to loan a defender for the game, but this looks off, so Daniel Gabbidon, Rhys Weston, Robert Page and James Collins should form the backline with somebody playing well out of position at left-back.

Tony Warner, who showed improvements during the Carling Cup game, should continue between the sticks. It will be interesting to see who is on the bench, with Neil Alexander surprisingly named among the substitutes in the West Midlands on Tuesday night. The Scotsman has been told to find a new club, but could he have one last chance as a Bluebird?

As mentioned, the visitors are not allowed to field Chris Barker for tomorrow. Wayne Thomas is also unavailable in defence for Stoke City through suspension. Manager Tony Pullis will be boosted by the news that Ade Akinbiyi, Gerry Taggart, Gifton Noel-Williams and Dave Brammer are all expected to be fit to start.

Prediction - Cardiff City 1-0 Stoke City
A narrow win to settle the squad and calm supporters. Robert Earnshaw to find his way onto the scoresheet.