Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Blackburn Rovers
Cardiff City welcome Blackburn Rovers to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, February 20th, 7.45pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Blackburn Rovers’ manager is John Eustace, who was appointed earlier this month, replacing previous boss Jon Dahl Tomasson.
During his playing career, Eustace operated as a midfielder, representing the likes of Coventry City, Stoke City, Watford and Derby County.
Taking the step into management in 2016, Eustace spent two years at Kidderminster Harriers, having also held assistant roles with Queens Park Rangers and the Republic of Ireland.
He has Championship experience with Birmingham City, who he managed from July 2022 to October 2023.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
The Riversiders arrive in the Welsh capital currently sitting 17th in the table, having had a disappointing campaign so far.
Their last six matches have resulted in five points, leaving them 18th in the form table.
Last time out, the side raced to a 2-0 lead at Preston North End through Sammie Szmodics and Sam Gallagher, only to record a 2-2 draw.
On their travels so far this season, Rovers have claimed 17 points from 16 away matches, a record that ranks 16th in the division.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
A huge positive for Blackburn Rovers this season has been the form of Szmodics.
The 28-year-old is currently the top scorer in the Championship, with 18 league goals this campaign.
Also contributing with three assists, Szmodics averages a goal every 147 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 56%.
The playmaker heads into Tuesday evening’s fixture in good form, having netted two goals in his last three matches.
CITY FLASHBACK | CITY NET THREE IN PROMOTION SEASON
The Bluebirds hosted Blackburn Rovers in April 2013, with City aiming for promotion to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
A smart corner saw Fraizer Campbell find space at the back post to head his side in front.
A fantastic performance continued in the second half, as Joe Mason clinically struck into the net to double the lead.
The match was then settled by Peter Whittingham, who stepped up to take a penalty and calmly dispatched it.
The Bluebirds would go on to win the title at the end of a remarkable campaign, earning a place in the Premier League.