How Cardiff City could line up at Wigan and the key spots up

How Cardiff City could line up at Wigan and the key spots up for grabs


New arrivals at Cardiff City: Curtis Nelson, Joe Day and Will Vaulks




By Ian Mitchelmore


Tuesday 2nd July 2019


Cardiff City are little more than a month away from kick-starting their 2019/20 Championship campaign at Wigan.

The Bluebirds increased the excitement levels last week when they announced the captures of Will Vaulks, Curtis Nelson and Joe Day on the same day they revealed their new kit for the upcoming season.

But Neil Warnock hopes there's more to come on the transfer front.

The Yorkshireman is targeting another central midfielder, despite the arrival of Wales international Vaulks from his former employers Rotherham United.

He is also plotting to sign a new winger following the exit of Kadeem Harris while Josh Murphy could attract interest.

And it appears that a new striker could also be brought in to Cardiff City Stadium in the coming weeks, although Warnock is still weighing up that particular possibility.

So how exactly could the Bluebirds line up when they take on Wigan at the DW Stadium on August 3?

We took a closer look.

Some people thought Neil Warnock should be replaced as Cardiff City manager
Alex Smithies failed to oust Neil Etheridge as Cardiff's No.1 goalkeeper last term, with the Philippines international proving to be a shining light in the Bluebirds' Premier League campaign.

But ex-Newport County shot stopper Day has been signed to provide Etheridge with some serious competition for a starting place, although he has a huge task on his hands when it comes to even attempting to take the goalkeeper's jersey off last year's Player of the Season.

The back four is set to look very familiar indeed, with Joe Bennett set to retain his place at left-back while Sol Bamba's return from injury will be a hugely welcome one.

Bruno Manga could well shift to right-back again to allow Warnock to include captain Sean Morrison at centre-back alongside Bamba, although if he opts to keep the Gabon international in his preferred position in the middle, then two things would need to happen.

Firstly, one of Morrison or Bamba would have to drop out. Secondly, Warnock would have to choose a specialist right-back, whether that be someone he already has at his disposal such as Lee Peltier or possibly even a new recruit, which appears unlikely.

Then there's the midfield.


Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock says he is delighted to sign Will Vaulks


Joe Ralls and Vaulks are expected to be regulars in the middle of the park next term, although it's understandable to see why Warnock wants to further strengthen his options following the departures of Harry Arter, Aron Gunnarsson and Victor Camarasa.

Loic Damour, Callum Paterson and Leandro Bacuna are among those who can slot in to the final midfield berth should Warnock wish to use a 4-3-3 system. But it could well be that the next central midfielder he signs is the man who gets the nod at Wigan.

The Cardiff boss does of course have the option of deploying his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation which could allow the quartet of Bobby Reid, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Murphy and Kenneth Zohore - who all started in the stunning 2-0 win over Manchester United on the final day of last season - to lead his side's attack.

But there are understandably concerns over Zohore - who scored just once last season - which has led Warnock giving his forward options some serious consideration while Junior Hoilett will no doubt aim to replicate his efforts from the 2017/18 campaign in the second tier.

Given that the Bluebirds will be unable to bring in new players - either on loan or permanent deals - after August 8, Warnock has no time to waste when it comes to bolstering his squad.

Although it appears that those still on Warnock's wish list are potentially key to his hopes of gaining a record ninth promotion.

Cardiff City begin their 2019/20 season against Wigan at the DW Stadium (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Possible starting XIs at Wigan

4-3-3: Etheridge; Manga, Morrison (C), Bamba, Bennett; New signing, Ralls, Vaulks; Mendez-Laing, Murphy/Hoilett/New signing, Zohore/New signing.

4-2-3-1: Etheridge; Manga, Morrison (C), Bamba, Bennett; Ralls, Vaulks; Mendez-Laing, Reid, Murphy/Hoilett/New signing, Zohore/New signing.

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You have to question if these reporters know anything about us as a club or do any homework. It’s we’ll known that Bamba is out until Christmas time, yet he still has him in the team. I didn’t read beyond that point.

You have to question if these reporters know anything about us as a club or do any homework. It’s we’ll known that Bamba is out until Christmas time, yet he still has him in the team. I didn’t read beyond that point.

With you in that, the media Wales reporters just seem to get worse.

You have to question if these reporters know anything about us as a club or do any homework. It’s we’ll known that Bamba is out until Christmas time, yet he still has him in the team. I didn’t read beyond that point.

I agree, it’s pathetic.

It is also a bit early to be making such calls. The transfer window shuts on the 8 August (I think) and there is bound to be comings and goings between now and then especially towards the end of the window.

It is also a bit early to be making such calls. The transfer window shuts on the 8 August (I think) and there is bound to be comings and goings between now and then especially towards the end of the window.

Agree...and I'm not sure the WalesOnline reporters realise the damage they do themselves with such poor and obviously contrived stuff!

You have to question if these reporters know anything about us as a club or do any homework. It’s we’ll known that Bamba is out until Christmas time, yet he still has him in the team. I didn’t read beyond that point.

Most of them are Jacks

You have to question if these reporters know anything about us as a club or do any homework. It’s we’ll known that Bamba is out until Christmas time, yet he still has him in the team. I didn’t read beyond that point.

With you in that, the media Wales reporters just seem to get worse.

It's awful isn't it.

I understand people on here guessing the line up and guessing what we may line up as but Walesonline are supposed to be professionals. I honestly don't know what they do as every article they produce seems to be based on something else they read be it on here or elsewhere.

if manga starts at right back this season we can write promotion off

if manga starts at right back this season we can write promotion off

Didn't we get promoted with him at right back

Manga has to be first choice centre back every game. City were far better defensively with peltier Morrison manga Bennett towards the end of last season. I also think Reid has to be a first choice along with Mendez I think all we need is a creative midfielder and a proven goal poacher

if manga starts at right back this season we can write promotion off

Fair play that’s absolute nonsense.

if manga starts at right back this season we can write promotion off

Didn't we get promoted with him at right back

Yes we did Luke
You can’t make some of this shit up