MATCH PREVIEW | CARDIFF CITY vs WOLVES

Match Previews

Cardiff City welcome Wolves to South Wales for their first of two Sky Bet Championship home matches this week. Can the Bluebirds keep their unbeaten run in December going?

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THE OPPOSITION


Wolverhampton Wanderers arrive in the Welsh capital struggling to put together a consistent run of form, having taken four points from their last three Championship fixtures. This run began with a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux, with Fernando Forestieri and Kieran Lee on the score sheet. However, that match was followed by a well-earned 2-1 away victory over QPR, courtesy of goals from Dave Edwards and Helder Costa.

Wolves were then involved in an extraordinary match at home to Fulham at the weekend in their most recent fixture. The home side took the lead in the first half through Kortney Hause, but they then conceded three without reply to put them seemingly on course for defeat. Wolves then launched a second half fight-back with goals from Matt Doherty and Ivan Cavaleiro to draw level, before Edwards scored in the 90th minute to the delight of the home support. They were unable to hold on for the three points, however, as Fulham’s Tom Cairney broke Wolves hearts with a strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Tuesday’s visitors have scored plenty of goals from midfield this term, with Welsh international Dave Edwards and Ivan Caveleiro top scorers so far with five league goals apiece. 

CLUB CONNECTIONS


Jay Bothroyd signed for Wolves from Charlton Athletic in 2006 and was manager Mick McCarthy’s first full signing at the club. The skillful striker made sixty appearances, scoring thirteen goals for the Molineux outfit before leaving for the Bluebirds prior to the start of the 2008/09 campaign. It was recently confirmed that Jay will be returning to CCS to play in the Kevin McNaughton Benefit Match, taking place on Sunday 26th March.

Former Bluebird Joe Mason may miss out on returning to Cardiff City Stadium, with surgery keeping him out of the Wolves side since October. He has three League and Cup strikes to his name so far this season.

Other players to have represented both clubs include Scott Malone, Roger Johnson, Seyi Olofinjana and Adam le Fondre.
 
MEMORABLE MEETING


The Bluebirds hosted Wolves at Ninian Park on 30 September 2006 knowing a win would cement their position at the top of the Championship table.


City received a boost shortly after the twenty-minute mark when Wolves’ Gary Breen was sent off for an elbow on striker Steven Thompson. With half time approaching, the home side made their numerical advantage count when Riccy Scimeca headed his team in front.

The Bluebirds turned the screw in the second half and doubled their advantage soon after the restart. Wolves’ Charlie Mulgrew attempted to clear his lines but the ball ricocheted off Jody Craddock and into the back of the net. Substitute Malvin Kamara then added a third with a powerful drive past ‘keeper Matt Murray, before Paul Parry made it 4-0 with a composed finish from the edge of the area.

The convincing win was made all the sweeter by the fact that it sent the Bluebirds five points clear at the top of the Championship table.

WOLVES FACTS
-    Wolves were founded in 1877.
-    They became founder members of the football league in 1888 and came third in the inaugural season. They also reached the FA Cup Final that year, losing 3-0 to Preston North End.
-    The team contested the first ever UEFA Cup final in 1972, losing 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur over two legs.
-    Wolves finished 14th in the Championship last season, six places behind the Bluebirds.

DON'T MISS A MOMENT!
LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from City vs Wolves.

WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD

SOCIAL: Live updates from CCS will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC

*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on Smart Phones, with content available to subscribers 24/7.