This Week's Opposition: Cardiff City

Jake Smith provides a closer look at the midweek challenge that awaits for the Blues at Fratton Park.

Following a strong display but ultimately defeat at Bramall Lane on Saturday, we return to PO4 this Tuesday evening for a massive game at the bottom end of the Championship - Cardiff City the opponents for Portsmouth in matchday number 32.

MANAGER

45-year-old former Arsenal academy graduate Omer Riza is at the helm of The Bluebirds.

He initially joined the club back in June as first team coach in Erol Bulut’s backroom staff, however succeeded the Turkish boss when he was sacked in September.

Riza’s interim spell in charge ended in December when he was confirmed as the club’s new permanent manager, however only on a contract until the end of the season.

8 wins, 10 draws and 8 defeats have been recorded since he took to the helm, producing a win percentage of 30.8.

ONE TO WATCH

Former Portsmouth midfielder Alex Robertson, who helped the Blues to the League One title last season, is without doubt one to keep an eye on in this fixture.

The 21-year-old signed permanently for Cardiff in the summer from Manchester City and dons the number 18 shirt.

So far this season, Robertson has played over 1,800 minutes across 25 Championship appearances and has contributed to 4 goals and 2 assists across all competitions.

TOP SCORER

Having found the back of the net 11 times in the Championship so far this season, 30-year-old striker Callum Robinson.

The Irishman has achieved those goals from 24 league appearances and has 1 more than Pompey’s highest scorer Callum Lang, who has 10.

Robinson wears the number 47 shirt and is 4 strikes behind the division’s top scorer Borja Sainz, who represents Norwich City.

CURRENT FORM

The Bluebirds occupy 19th position in the Championship and are just 1 point and 1 place above Portsmouth, having also played 1 game fewer.

They had enjoyed an upturn in form in the New Year, going unbeaten and picking up 12 points from a possible 18 between December 29th and January 25th, however were thrashed 7-0 in their most recent league fixture away at Leeds United on February 1st.

Omer Riza’s side weren’t in Championship action at the weekend but did manage to progress to the 5th Round of The FA Cup following a penalty shootout victory away at Stoke City, who they had shared a 3-3 draw with after 90 minutes at the bet365 Stadium.

The reverse of this fixture back in October ended in a 2-0 victory for Cardiff thanks to a Regan Poole own goal and a Callum Robinson strike in the Welsh capital.

Will it be a return to winning ways for the Blues off the back of 4 games without victory?

Catch all of the unmissable action this Tuesday (February 11th) evening from 7pm when Pompey Live returns on Express FM LIVE from Fratton Park, where Jake Smith will be reporting alongside Andrew Barnard and James Wilson.

Kick-off: 7:45pm!