Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
4-3-3
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison

(14) 8 Goals 11 (24)
(9) 6 Assists 13 (15)
(6.4) 6.5 Average Ratings 7 (6.7)
28.2 Average Age 23.7
182.3 Average Height (cm) 181.5
(1) 1 Shots pg 0.8 (0.9)
(51%) 57% Aerial Duel Success 49% (47%)
(0.6) 0.5 Dribbles pg 0.9 (0.9)
(1.4) 1.2 Tackles pg 1.2 (1.5)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Championship.

Missing Players

Cardiff
Sunderland
Player Reason Status Rating
Jamilu Collins Out 6.25
Kion Etete Out N/A
Isaak Davies Out N/A
Mark McGuinness Doubtful N/A
Player Reason Status Rating
Dan Ballard Out 6.38
Jenson Seelt Out N/A
Pierre Ekwah Doubtful N/A
Ian Poveda Doubtful 6.04
Nectarios Triantis Out 6

Team News

Cardiff
Sunderland
  • New signing Chris Willock could make his debut on the left, while Aaron Ramsey will start in an attacking midfield role after featuring heavily in pre-season.
  • Jamilu Collins, Kion Etete and Isaak Davies have all been ruled out by manager Erol Bulut.
  • Ian Poveda and Pierre Ekwah are both rebuilding their fitness ahead of the season opener, while Sunderland have three defensive absentees.
  • The biggest selection dilemma for new boss Regis Le Bris is up top, with Eliezer Mayenda and Nazarii Rusyn both hoping to lead the line on Saturday.

Prediction

  • Erol Bulut's future seemed uncertain throughout most of last year, but the Turkish manager was handed a new contract and backed heavily in the transfer market. Cardiff were desperately inconsistent last season, so starting the new campaign with a strong run of results will do wonders for the Bluebirds' confidence.
  • Sunderland looked like playoff contenders during the early stage of last season, but after rolling the dice and sacking manager Tony Mowbray, things fell apart. Three straight league defeats ended the year, but the Black Cats start the new season with a new manager and have doubled down on their youth-focused approach.
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User Predictions

Comments (2)

 
  • Choosing two possibles out of three and got both wrong. Well played Sunderland

  • These two are much alike when I say, which. Adrift or which Sunderland will turn up today. I have to plump for a draw but would also veer toward a home win on the first game of the season