Robins Preview


Big day...

By Chris O'Brien
August 30 2002

Tomorrow, Cardiff will aim to keep up their 100% record as they face the Robins at Whaddon Road. Cheltenham currently only have one point from their opening five games and will be desperate for points as Cardiff make the 72 mile trip to Cheltenham!. Brayson meets his former team mates tomorrow. Cheltenham Preview

The Bluebirds travel to Whaddon Road tomorrow, to face newly promoted Cheltenham Town. The Robins currently sit 23rd in the Division Two table, and have only picked up one point during their Division Two campaign. Their only point came in an impressive 1-1 draw with promotion favourites Barnsley. The Robins have suffered defeats to Wigan, Tranmere, Plymouth Argyle and Crewe.

Despite their poor start, it's not all bad news for Cheltenham. They're first 6 games have all been against the strongest teams in the division, so things can only get better for the Robins!

Paul Brayson is likely to start against his former club, Cardiff tomorrow. He will certainly be looking to show Lennie Lawrence that he made a mistake in releasing him. Brayson had a good 3 seasons with the Bluebirds, but a large squad made it difficult for him to get regular first team football, and the club thought it best to release him when his contract expired at the end of last season.

Life will get no easier for Cheltenham tomorrow, as they face a Cardiff side who have not lost away from home in nine games. The Bluebirds are heavy favourites tomorrow, despite the disappointing performance in our 0-0 draw with Luton Town last Bank Holiday Monday.

The best odds you can find on a Bluebirds win tomorrow is 10/11.

Lawrence is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation, which now looks like to be our away formation. Lawrence has recently received criticism from City fans over his team selection, so a few changes may happen tomorrow.

Andy Campbell's start to the season has been unimpressive, so fan-favourite; Robert Earnshaw may earn his first start of the season tomorrow. Earnshaw has come on as a substitute in all of Cardiff's games so far, and is eager to prove to the City boss that he deserves a place in the first XI.

dropped?

Willie Boland is also available for selection for tomorrow, but it is unlikely to start tomorrow as Lawrence still has confidence in out-of-form skipper, Graham Kavanagh.

Another Chance for Captain Kav.

Scott Young is still injured, and won't be available for tomorrow.

One to Watch:

Paul Brayson

Cheltenham's 'One to Watch' has got to be former Cardiff attacker, Paul Brayson.

Brayson left the Bluebirds at the end of last season, after being released by City boss, Lennie Lawrence. Cheltenham Town were quick to snap up the 24 year-old.

Many Cardiff fans, including myself were very disappointed to see Brayson depart Ninian Park. He was a useful player, who could play in many different positions and played a vital part in the clubs promotion during the 2000/2001 season.

Brayson had a confident pre-season with the Robins, but is yet to score in their league campaign so far, but tomorrow would be a dream start to his goal tally for Cheltenham!

Speaking to the South Wales Echo, Brayson said "I am still friendly with many of my old friends at Cardiff City, but come Saturday there will be no sentiment. I had a happy time with Cardiff, and particularly enjoyed being involved in the 2-1 cup upset over Leeds United."

Brayson wears the Number 9 shirt for Town.

Where you'll be Going:

Whaddon Road

Ground Capacity: 7.407 (3,139 seated)

Address: Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5NA
Pitch Size: 111 x 72 yards

Whaddon Road has had major improvements since the club entered the league with over 50% of the ground being re-developed. There are also plans afoot to turn the ground into an all seater stadium.

The latest edition is the new Wymans Road Stand that sits proudly at one side of the pitch, it's covered and contains over 2,000 seats. On the other side of the pitch is the Main Stand, which also looks quite impressive. At one end is the terraced Cheltenham & Gloucester Stand, which has had a roof added during the close season. Opposite, the Whaddon Road End is given to away supporters.

Despite the Robins playing one of the clubs rivals tomorrow, a small crowd is expected.

 

BTTB Prediction: Cheltenham Town 0-5 Cardiff City

OK, so again I am guessing with my heart not head, but after the disappointing start to the season from Cheltenham their confidence is bound to be low and I can see this as an ideal opportunity for the Bluebirds to pull off a big win.

After the poor performance against Luton, many City fans will be out to show both the fans, and Lennie Lawrence that they are still first XI quality, and hopefully they will come good tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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