Doncaster v Cardiff Preview

Posted on | August 28, 2009 | No Comments

Cardiff appear to be big favorites for this one with the Bluebirds sat top of the table after their first four games of the season. Doncaster on the other hand haven’t had a bad start in the league, but following a 5-1 drubbing at home to Tottenham in the Carling Cup it remains to be seen how Sean O’Driscoll’s men will respond.

Doncaster’s budget may be one of the smallest in the division, yet still very few people will tip them to struggle this season. They may have lost several key players, but in Sean O’Driscoll they have one of the most respected managers in the league and that’s led many to believe they’ll finish comfortably. Already, they look a tough side to beat having recorded three draws in the league, although their last two games will be something of concern. They lost 2-0 to Middlesbrough before being thumped by Tottenham midweek. While these sides have far superior budgets and much loftier ambitions, O’Driscoll will want to quickly put an end to this two game losing streak.

Cardiff are one side that always seem to start a season well and this campaign has been no different. Having played four games, the Bluebirds find themselves top of the table with ten points and an impressive goal difference of +9. This comes despite the fact they’ve been forced to sell the likes of Roger Johnson and Paul Parry who have both been key players for them in recent years. One of the main things that has helped them has been the form of Michael Chopra though. In his second spell at the club following a £4m move, Chopra has already bagged eight goals and leads the divisional scoring charts. Of course, it’s still early days, but after painfully missing out on the top six last season the signs are already positive that Cardiff can make amends for that.

Sean O’Driscoll looks set to make at least two changes from the side that lost to Tottenham, with Neil Sullivan and Jason Shackell looking to return to the starting eleven. Steve Brooker and Stuart Elliott definitely won’t feature though as the duo continue to struggle with their injury problems. It’s mixed news for Cardiff as Dave Jones looks set to hand a debut to Soloman Taiwo. However, Ross McCormack and Kevin McNaughton are both out as they nurse hamstring and ankle problems respectively.

Cardiff look red hot at the moment and we firmly believe that will continue at the Keepmoat this weekend. Doncaster certainly aren’t a bad side, but Cardiff will simply be too strong and we predict a 2-0 victory for Dave Jones’ men.

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