English Premier League

Cardiff City vs Manchester City match preview

TEAM NEWS

Harry Arter returns after illness but Aron Gunnarsson has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock will assess the fitness of several players who are carrying niggling injuries or have been affected by a virus.

There could be a Manchester City recall for Sergio Aguero, who was named on the bench against Lyon, but Benjamin Mendy is absent with a bruised metatarsal.

Cardiff vs Man City

Kevin de Bruyne, Eliaquim Mangala, Danilo and Claudio Bravo remain out.

MOTD COMMENTATOR’S NOTES

@SimonBrotherton: Pep Guardiola returns to the dugout this weekend after his midweek UEFA ban as Manchester City look to bounce back from their stuttering start in the Champions League.

European hangovers haven’t been a problem recently though, with City winning eight of the last nine games immediately following a Champions League night.

The gulf in class between these two teams clearly tilts the game strongly in the champions’ favour, though Cardiff certainly gave a good account of themselves against Arsenal in their most recent home game despite losing 3-2.

However, they may have to wait a little longer for that elusive first win of the season.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock on Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Lyon: “It’s a blip and might give them a kick up the backside.

“I don’t think it helps us at all. They made a few changes and looked a lot stronger when they put the regulars on in the second half. “When I watch them I think ‘thank goodness we only play them twice’.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: “[The] Premier League is physical. Not just Cardiff. I realised that when I arrived. Cardiff has a way to play and we have to adapt.”

LAWRO’S PREDICTION

These teams met in the FA Cup last season when Manchester City won and Leroy Sane got clobbered by a Joe Bennett tackle.

I’d expect something similar this time, with Cardiff clattering into them in the nicest possible way and making things as hard as possible for them.

Prediction: 0-2

Source: BBC News