Cardiff City Predicted XI For League One Opener

Cardiff City begin their first League One campaign in over two decades this weekend, hosting Peterborough United at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a positive pre-season under new manager Brian Barry-Murphy, going unbeaten in five matches with two wins and three draws.

The South Wales club remain the only side in the EFL yet to make a signing this summer, with new boss Brian Barry-Murphy emphasizing a quality over quantity approach as he continues to assess his options.

With uncertainty still surrounding their potential line-up, here’s a look at how Cardiff City could shape up for their opening fixture of the campaign this Saturday.

GK – Jak Alnwick

The goalkeeper position is one of several areas in the Cardiff squad where no player has firmly claimed the starting spot ahead of the season opener.

The trio of Jak Alnwick, Ethan Horvath, and Matthew Turner have all featured during pre-season, each aiming to stake their claim for the number one shirt, though there’s no guarantee all three will still be at the club when the transfer window closes.

There are suggestions that senior keepers Alnwick and Horvath could seek moves away, amid speculation that the club are eyeing a loan deal for Copenhagen’s Nathan Trott.

With limited time to bring in and prepare a new signing, it’s likely that Alnwick, who started the final pre-season match against Notts County, will get the nod for the opener.

RB – Ronan Kpakio

Young right-back Ronan Kpakio is among several emerging talents who impressed during pre-season and looks set to start the campaign in the Bluebirds’ backline.

With senior figure Perry NG side-lined for the start of the season through injury, Kpakio has the perfect opportunity to make the position his own, potentially giving NG a tough challenge to reclaim his spot upon return.

CB – Dylan Lawlor

Another academy prospect who has impressed in recent months, Dylan Lawlor appears poised to feature at the heart of Cardiff’s defence this season.

After impressing on his senior debut in last season’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, Lawlor has featured prominently in pre-season. With his current contract nearing its end, fans are urging the club to move quickly to tie the youngster down to a new deal.

CB – Will Fish

Former Manchester United defender Will Fish is likely to partner Lawlor at the back in the opener, with Callum Chambers facing suspension.

The 22-year-old made 21 appearances for Cardiff last campaign as they suffered relegation from the Championship.

LB – Joel Bagan

23-year-old Joel Bagan is set to start the season at left-back, now the longest-serving member of the squad following Joe Ralls’ departure.

Bagan is currently the only senior option for the position at the club, following Callum O’Dowda’s departure earlier in the window to join Hungarian side Ferencváros.

DM – Eli King

Perhaps the biggest selection headache for Barry-Murphy ahead of the clash with Peterborough is deciding who will start in the number six role.

Both Eli King and Ryan Wintle featured during pre-season, with King particularly catching the eye in the final warm-up match thanks to a sublime assist for Yousef Salech’s opening goal.

While Wintle brings valuable experience to a starting lineup currently leaning heavily on youth, Barry-Murphy may choose to demonstrate his commitment to development by placing his trust in King.

CM – David Turnbull

David Turnbull is likely to feature in the Cardiff City midfield, particularly with Alex Robertson potentially side-lined after picking up an injury in the Notts County match.

Despite being only 26, Turnbull is one of the most senior figures in the squad and will likely see academy product Joel Colwill, another youngster who continues to impress, as his main competition in training this week.

CM – Rubin Colwill

The star performer of Cardiff’s pre-season, Rubin Colwill will view the upcoming campaign as a key opportunity to prove why he’s been hailed as one of the club’s brightest academy prospects in recent years.

Having already worked under multiple managers in his short professional career, Colwill, along with the fans, will be hoping Barry-Murphy can unlock his full potential and guide him to a standout season in League One.

RW – Ollie Tanner

Since joining from non-league side Lewes in 2022, Ollie Tanner has shown flashes of raw talent, despite having limited experience at the professional level.

When in form, he’s one of the brightest sparks in Cardiff City’s front line, and fans will be hoping he can contribute more consistently now that the club has dropped down a division.

LW – Chris Willock

Chris Willock has struggled to make a significant impact since joining the club last summer, managing just four goal contributions in 34 appearances.

Willock hasn’t stood out in pre-season, but with limited squad depth and few senior alternatives, Barry-Murphy may be tempted to turn to another youngster, Cian Ashford, who has made a strong case for a starting role.

ST – Yousef Salech

If the Bluebirds are to enjoy a successful season in League One, it’s vital they keep Yousef Salech at the club.

Since joining in January, the Danish forward netted eight goals in 20 appearances, leaving fans to wonder whether his earlier arrival might have made the difference in avoiding relegation.

Despite limited experience in the EFL, many already regard Salech as one of the best strikers in League One, and his goals this season could prove crucial in Cardiff’s push for a return to the Championship.

Ben Thomas
Ben Thomas
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