Cardiff City have become very predictable of late. Same formation, 4-4-2. We tend to play a passing game but trip ourselves up with a lack of pace. We may play good football for an hour but fail to find that final, telling ball. Then as we get a bit more desperate in the final half an hour we tend to be a bit more "hoofy" in our play.
Strengths
We have some quality players in the side. Joe Ledley is the one player that will probably be the next player to leave the club for a bigger future. He has pace and power from midfield. Out wide we have Paul Parry, probably our most likely source of a goal, either setting one up or scoring one. He has grabbed the winning strike in the only two games we've won at home this season.
The strikers' lack of pace (as mentioned above) mean they are unlikely to burst through on goal from distance. Ball to feet may see them score, or from a header.
Weaknesses
Silly mistakes cost us our goals. Although two clean sheets in a row has helped the confidence. We tend to be our own worst enemies by overplaying,
losing possession and putting ourselves under pressure.
Injuries/Suspensions
Robbie Fowler is the biggest named player we have and he's recovering from a hip injury and is unlikely to play. Also expected to be out is Trevor Sinclair. Paul Parry should return from a knock picked up at Leicester. Riccy Scimeca is long- term injured. I would expect the same team that lined up at Leicester.
Player by Player
GK. 1. Kasper Schmeichel. Is on the back of a Man of the Match performance at Leicester and two clean sheets in a row.
R/B. 44. Chris Gunter. Youngster, full of promise. Just played in Wales' last two internationals including a 0-0 draw against Germany.
L/B. 3. Tony Capaldi. Northern Ireland international. ' Steady Eddie' sort of player.
C/B. 6. Glenn Loovens. Strong Dutchman. Has some pace as well.
C/B. 5. Darren Purse. Skipper. Solid, no nonsense centre half. Sent off at your place before.
R/W. 11. Paul Parry. Exciting winger. Possible main goal threat as well.
L/W. 16. Joe Ledley. Current Welsh international. Strong athletic player.
C/M. 4. Gavin Rae. Box to box player, scores the odd goal or two.
C/M. 10. Steve McPhail. Our "creative midfielder". Needs more pace but can create room for himself. Only ever scored once for us. Should do better.
ST. 36. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Aged 35. Runs like a 35 year old but can strike a ball if allowed the space to do so.
ST. 20. Steve Thompson. Tough Scotsman. Our target man at the moment. Has a little pace and likes the rough and tumble.
Click here for full squad list
Michael Morris is editor of Cardiff City Online