IS THIS HOW CITY CAN OVERCOME VILLA?

Is this how Cardiff City should go about dismantling promotion rivals Aston Villa?
By Joshua Slack


Cardiff City were narrowly beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday evening, but how do they go about preparing for another tough game against Aston Villa on Tuesday evening?


The Bluebirds missed two last gasp penalties as they were beaten by Wolves Courtesy of a fine strike from Portuguese midfielder, Ruben Neves.

Although it was disappointing to lose in the way Cardiff did, it is vitally important they don’t let their heads drop as they head to the Midlands on Tuesday evening.

The Bluebirds will be backed by a strong traveling support, but what exactly do they need to do to prepare for what is set to be another monumental clash in the promotion race?


We take a look below and analyse what the Bluebirds have to do to respond to the gut-wrenching loss to the league leaders.


Ensure they don’t get overrun in midfield

Villa are the type of side who like to take control of the midfield area. They have the likes of Robert Snodgrass, Conor Hourihane and Birkir Bjarnson, who completely dominated the middle of the park last time out at Villa Park, when they comfortably beat Reading 3-0.

Cardiff, though, have been tremendous this season in that midfield area and they have the players who can stop Villa overrunning them. The recently returning Aron Gunnarsson could be key for stifling Villa in midfield and helping to drive the Bluebirds forward.

Joe Ralls could also return on Tuesday which would be a monumental boost. Him and Gunnarsson built up a superb relationship in the middle of the park, before the Icelandic midfield maestro went off injured against Barnsley at Oakwell in November.

If they win the midfield battle on Tuesday evening, then it could be key in determining who goes onto win this game because both sides have players who can certainly make a difference.

Cutting out the service to the creative Jack Grealish could be essential for Neil Warnock’s men. This was after the youngster enjoyed a lot of time and space against Cardiff in the 3-1 win at Villa Park last season as his spark in the midfield area proved decisive for the Villans.


Look at silencing the Villa faithful early on

An early goal would do the Bluebirds the world of good. There is no doubt that the Villa faithful will create a hostile atmosphere in a must-win game if they’re to stand any chances of earning a place in the automatic promotion spot come the end of the season.

Cardiff will also be backed by a huge away support. And if they can get a fast start at Villa Park, it could spur the Bluebirds on.

This is arguably Cardiff’s biggest game of the season after losing to Wolves, the pressure is all on the Villans, though and early goal could help to settle the nerves for the traveling Cardiff supporters.


Hit them on the counter-attack

It worked so effectively at the Cardiff City Stadium, so why not? Villa have looked vulnerable at the back this season, and Junior Hoilett and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will be looking to cause mayhem for Villa once again.

Getting on the front-foot and getting the two widemen involved early on could prove to be key if Cardiff are to go home with positive points on the road.


Keep Snodgrass quiet, he is the danger man!

The former Leeds man has been in scintillating form for the Villans this season. The 30 year-old has seven goals and 14 assists to his name in 36 appearances, and he is without a shadow of a doubt, Villa’s biggest threat.

He possesses real class and stifling his threat will be key on Tuesday evening. Sol Bamba and Sean Morrison may have their hands full, but both are more than capable of keeping the Scot playmaker quiet.


Grit and passion will be key

No team has won more games in the Sky Bet Championship by a goal than Cardiff. The Bluebirds will no doubt be in for another gritty, scrappy battle against the Villans.

Villa have shown this season they’re capable of putting the best of teams to the sword at Villa Park.

They thrashed league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 at home, they also hammered Bristol City 5-0.

But having the best defence in the league could work in Cardiff’s favour. They need to keep it tight on Tuesday night, because if Villa get the first goal, then the floodgates may well open for Steve Bruce’s side.

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