Cardiff City’s return to the EFL Championship didn’t go as planned on matchday 1. Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds were defeated 3-2 by Wigan Athletic in the game of the weekend in the EFL Championship.
Luton Town managed slightly better on their return to the division. The Hatters were promoted from League One last season and celebrated their first game back in the EFL Championship with a 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough.
Cardiff City and Luton Town have not played a competitive fixture since back in 2007. The teams’ previous results shouldn’t have any bearing on Saturday’s match as it has been some time since the two teams have played each other.
Warnock was able to add to his Cardiff City squad on transfer deadline day. Midfielder Marlon Pack arrived from Bristol City as did striker Isaac Vassell from Birmingham City.
The two should give Cardiff City a boost in attack. Cardiff managed just four shots on target against Wigan Athletic despite taking 13 shots. They registered just 43% possession. Defence was an issue on matchday 1 as all three Wigan Athletic goals came in the final 31 minutes.
Luton Town obtained a 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough thanks to an 85th minute equaliser from James Collins. Despite being newly promoted, the Hatters hung with Middlesbrough collecting 49% possession and 12 shots.
Manager Graeme Jones was able to make two signings on transfer deadline day. Luton Town added Aston Villa’s James Bree and Chelsea’s Izzy Brown.
Warnock suffered a big blow in Cardiff City’s first match against Wigan Athletic. Cardiff City starting goalkeeper Neil Etheridge suffered a hamstring injury. The Cardiff City No. 1 will now miss two months of football.
Back-up goalkeeper Alex Smithies will deputise for Etheridge. Although Warnock will be frustrated to lose Etheridge, Smithies was bought for £4 million last summer and should fill-in just fine for Etheridge as the No.1 recovers.
Luton Town appear to be in good health heading into the match. However, new loan signing Vassell has had previous injury issues. Those injury problems had been a problem Luton Town worried about before he eventually signing him on loan.
Cardiff City and Luton Town should finish Saturday’s match square. The two teams had their moments on matchday 1 in front of goal. This weekend, however, should see both play better defensively.
Expect under 2.5 goals and both teams to score in a draw at Cardiff City Stadium.
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