Our prediction: 20th
Likely finish: 15th–23rd
Transfer window so far: 4/10
Biggest question
Do Cardiff have enough attacking quality to stay clear of the relegation battle?
Why I have Cardiff finishing 20th
Cardiff are back in the Championship and face what could be a difficult campaign. Their summer transfer business has been relatively quiet so far. Nathan Trott has arrived permanently from FC Copenhagen and looks set to strengthen the goalkeeping department, while Ryan Wintle has departed.
Trott is the type of goalkeeper who can win points on his own, but one signing is unlikely to transform the team. As things stand, I believe Cardiff still lack the attacking quality needed to edge the tight matches that so often define a Championship season.
There is enough experience and organisation within the squad to remain competitive, but they may struggle to consistently create and convert chances against teams around them in the table.
Strengths
Cardiff know exactly what the Championship demands. They are likely to be well organised, physically competitive and difficult to break down.
Cardiff City Stadium can also become a real advantage when the home support gets behind the team. Few sides enjoy travelling to South Wales when the atmosphere is at its best.
Set pieces should be another important weapon. In a division where so many matches are decided by fine margins, a well-worked corner or free-kick can often make the difference between one point and three.
AdvertisementWeaknesses
Creativity is my biggest concern. When Cardiff are expected to control games against fellow relegation contenders, I am not convinced they have enough players capable of unlocking stubborn defences or creating chances out of nothing.
The squad also lacks pace in key attacking areas. The Championship continues to become quicker and more athletic, and Cardiff could struggle against opponents who transition rapidly from defence to attack.
Without further additions, I fear they may simply find it too difficult to score enough goals over the course of a 46-match season.
Key player
Nathan Trott
Trott could prove to be Cardiff’s most important signing of the summer.
If Cardiff are to avoid relegation, they will need their new goalkeeper to produce match-winning saves throughout the campaign. A reliable goalkeeper can often be worth several points over the course of a season, and Trott has the ability to provide exactly that.
Player who must deliver
Callum Robinson
Robinson possesses the experience, quality and composure to decide matches.
Cardiff need him to produce goals consistently if they are to steer clear of trouble. Too much of the attacking responsibility may fall on his shoulders, making his contribution absolutely vital.
What they still need
Cardiff would benefit from signing a creative central midfielder, a quick winger and a striker capable of scoring at least 12 to 15 league goals.
Without those additions, I believe this will become a very demanding season.
Verdict
Cardiff will compete, work tirelessly and make life uncomfortable for plenty of opponents.
However, based on the current squad, I believe they lack the attacking quality that often proves decisive in the Championship.
I expect them to survive, but only by a narrow margin. For that reason, I have Cardiff City finishing 20th in my Championship predictions.