Zohore And Hoilett To Start – Strongest 4-1-4-1 Cardiff City Line-up To Face Middlesbrough

Predicted Cardiff City Line-up To Face Middlesbrough In The EFL Championship

Football has a special way of kicking you when you’re down so having relinquished top spot to Wolverhampton Wanderers after losing at Birmingham City last time out, it would be no surprise to see Cardiff City lose two on the trot when they head north to face Middlesbrough on Saturday.

There’s no doubt the Bluebirds deserve their place in the top two of this league, they’re there on merit, but I personally doubt if they’ll be there come April and games like this are incredibly tough for their squad.

Despite the defeat last time, Neil Warnock is bound to stick with the players he has entrusted to do such a good job to this point though and will most likely line them up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Manager: Neil Warnock

GK – Neil Etheridge

In danger of becoming somewhat of a journeyman ‘keeper, Etheridge has now truly found his calling in this team and will be entrusted with the job between the sticks once more.

RB – Lee Peltier

Once regarded as a top Premier League prospect, Peltier’s career has flown by and it’s hard to believe he is already 30. He’s a steady full-back though to this day.

CB – Sean Morrison

Another typical Warnock player; solid if unspectacular, and has done his job admirably so far. I fancy this back line will struggle with Boro’s attack however.

CB – Bruno Ecuele Manga

A surprise package this season and a decent partner for Morrison at the back. Should start.

LB – Joe Bennett

This fella had to be good given the form of Declan John now at Rangers, and he has been this term.

DM – Sol Bamba

The ex-Blackburn man lacks a yard of pace but is rock solid in front of the backline.

RW – Nathaniel Mendez Laing

Proving to be one of the more effective attack minded players in this division, big things lie ahead for the winger.

CM – Craig Bryson

The Scot has landed on his feet here after leaving Derby, but I fancy the two clubs may still swap positions before the end of the campaign.

CM – Joe Ralls

Someone who may well attract bids from “bigger” clubs in the January or summer transfer windows, Joe Ralls should start in central midfield for Cardiff.

LW – Junior Hoilett

Time will tell whether or not Cardiff can indeed stay in the top two or three of this division but for now though, it’s perhaps no surprise to see the one time hot Premier League property playing at that level and there’s more to come.

ST – Kenneth Zohore

Not as prolific as expected yet, but the Dane knows where the goal is and doesn’t need too many chances.