This Week's Opposition: Cardiff City

Jake Smith delves deep into the key names and numbers behind Pompey's next Championship opponent.

We're back at Fratton for matchday 5 - Cardiff City the opponents this weekend.

MANAGER

Irishman Brian Barry-Murphy is currently boss of The Bluebirds.

The 48-year-old has managed just once previously in the EFL, enjoying a 2-year spell at Rochdale before tendering his resignation in June 2021.

In the 3 years between that role and taking up the vacant position at Cardiff, the former midfielder held coaching roles with the Manchester City Elite Development Squad and Leicester City first team.

ONE TO WATCH

24-year-old Rubin Colwill is our ‘One To Watch’ this weekend.

The midfielder, who has been capped 10 times for Wales scoring 1 goal, came through the ranks at Cardiff and has made the attacking midfield position in The Bluebirds squad his.

He wears the number 10 shirt.

TOP SCORER

Across all competitions, Danish striker Yousef Salech is The Bluebirds’ leading scorer.

The 24-year-old striker has 4 goals to his name at this stage, however 3 of those have come in the Carabao Cup and only 1 in the Championship.

Cardiff’s leading scorer in the league is 21-year-old midfielder Cian Ashford.

CURRENT FORM

Much like Pompey’s last 2 opponents, Cardiff are yet to win a league game this season.

They have, however, tasted victory courtesy of a 3-2 win over Swindon in the First Round of the Carabao Cup before the Championship campaign kicked off.

Whilst they are winless, The Bluebirds sit above the Blues in the table - 2 places above in 19th, level on points but with a better goal difference.

Their last game on Wednesday night saw them beaten 2-1 at Queens Park Rangers.

Can Portsmouth get the win they so desperately need?

Join Jake Smith, Graham Butterworth and former Blues winger Mark Kelly, as well as special pre-match guest Kev 'The Kitman' McCormack when Pompey Live returns for full coverage of this match from 2pm on Saturday (September 5th).

Kick-off: 3pm!