RUSSELL: ALL ABOUT HOME FORM

Club News

Manager cites three points against a fancied Wolves side

Ahead of tomorrow’s encounter with Wolverhampton Wanders at Cardiff City Stadium, Russell Slade spoke to the assembled Press and Media at The Vale - WATCH IN FULL HERE

The City boss first discussed his available squad for the 5:15pm kick-off, including the fitness of Federico Macheda and Bruno Manga.

“They’re making good progress – very good progress - so we’re pleased with that,” he began. “It remains to be seen whether one or both make the bench tomorrow, but certainly there’s football on the horizon for both of them. We’ve got a game on Tuesday as well which could be an ideal opportunity to get them involved.

“Manga is a very good player when he’s right, but obviously he’s had this injury so we need to bring him up to speed. We know what he can bring to the table when he’s fit, at it and performing though.”

Slade then set his sights on tomorrow’s opposition, and was full of praise for Kenny Jackett’s men, who suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of QPR on Wednesday.

“It looks a tough game doesn’t it?” The manager continued. “They’ve got pace and energy going forward, as we saw when they started incredibly well to get themselves a two goal lead against QPR.
 
“Afobe, who is sought after at the moment, is in really good form for them and I’ve always been a fan of McDonald in midfield – I think he makes them play.

“I think that they’ll be looking to make a challenge this season. They came so close last year, and now they’ll be wanting to go one step closer.

“It was an interesting game midweek as we know that QPR have threats as well so it wasn’t such a shock that they came back into that game. Albeit, Wolves were 2-0 up at home and you would have fancied them at that stage. I think it could be a very open game tomorrow as well.”

Finally, Russell assessed the start that his troops have made, and called for them to claim the three points against a familiar foe.
 
“Obviously we’re desperate for a win,” added the Boss. “But we feel that, by and large, we’re in a good place. We’re playing well, we’re performing well and if we maintain that then a win will be just around the corner. But the sooner we get that the better.
 
“I think they’ve all been tough games. Going back to the 8th August, if we’d have put that game against Fulham to bed then the two draws away to QPR and Blackburn – which aren’t easy places to go – would have looked quite useful.

“It’s about your home form really though, isn’t it? Playing Wolves now, if we can get a result against a team that we think are going to be in and around the top that will be very good for our confidence.

“I get on with Kenny Jackett really well as we often talk and we’ve had many a battle. His teams are always strong and very organised and structured. I’m looking forward to seeing him, and hope we can get one over on his side.”