Match Preview

The massive wait is over, the Bluebirds travel to Milmoor tomorrow to take on Rotherham United, as they kick-off their first campaign in England's second flight for 18 years.

The memorable Playoff final victory back in May seems a life-time a goal, but Andy Campbell's extra-time lob which sent the Bluebirds into the First Division is still as clear as day for most City supporters.

City go into their game on the back of a pre-season which brought a mixed set of results. City won 3 of their 7 matches, with 2 draws, and injuries to Peter Thorne, Gary Croft, Gareth Whalley and Gavin Gordon will not help Lennie Lawrence's cause.

Lawrence will have his two new signings Tony Vidmar and John Robinson available for selection tomorrow, but the starting XI tomorrow still looks weaker than the one that took on Queens Park Rangers at the Millennium Stadium, over two months ago!

Rotherham will prove tough opposition for the Bluebirds. Millers' boss Ronnie Moore has got together a hard-working side, who have kept Rotherham in the First Division for the last two seasons, and optimistic supporters are hoping that they could mount a play-off challenge this season.

Still, their pre-season form has done nothing to inspire their fans to believe Premiership football is awaiting them next season, with only one victory in four pre-season matches. Their 3-0 triumph came against non-league Isle of Man, but then followed defeats at the hands of Rushden & Diamonds, Burnley and Doncaster Rovers.

With the absence of both Peter Thorne and Gavin Gordon, Lennie Lawrence is almost certain to start Andy Campbell and Robert Earnshaw up front together, with bright prospect Stuart Fleetwood getting a place on the substitutes bench.

Fleetwood impressed in last season's FAW Premier Cup, and the young striker could be set for his first league appearance in the Cardiff City shirt tomorrow, should he come on from the bench.

Andy Campbell will also be desperate to prove a point to Lennie Lawrence. Since his very successful loan period at Ninian Park towards the end of the 2001/2002 season, the England Under-21 international has been living in the shadow of Robert Earnshaw, but following his Playoff final winner, will be desperate to prove that he is worthy of a regular place in the City starting line-up.

Gareth Whalley has been ruled out, meaning City will be likely to start with skipper Graham Kavanagh, Willie Boland, Mark Bonner and debutant John Robinson. Jason Bowen will be on the bench, likely to be sitting alongside the surprise choice of Layton Maxwell.

The Scouse midfielder had been offered a move to another club, but vowing to earn back his place, Maxwell impressed in City's last pre-season friendly against Forest Green, and is likely to be among the substitutes tomorrow, with the slight possibility of him starting ahead of Mark Bonner.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Tony Vidmar is set to make his debut, in a back-four which looks certain to be Weston, Gabbidon, Vidmar and Barker. The City defence has come under criticism following several mistakes over pre-season, with Rhys Weston's ability to make the step up to Division One coming under question.

As for Rotherham, they have no major injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's fixture, with the 'keeper position the only worry for Ronnie Moore. Middlesbrough's Bradley Jones has been signed on a two-month loan as a late replacement to Gary Montgomery, who is out for several weeks with a finger injury.

The last time the two clubs met was back in the 1998/1999 promotion season. City went down 1-0 at Milmoor, backed by only a couple of hundred City supporters. 2,000 are expected to make the journey to Yorkshire tomorrow - how things have changed!

City have only won once at Milmoor in league action, in Football League history, losing 17 times to the Millers at Milmoor.

Rotherham have been made favourites tomorrow, at 5/4, with City at 7/4. If you fancy the draw, the best you will find is 9/4.

Alan Lee is currently being strongly linked with a move to Ninian Park, and will be desperate to prove a point tomorrow.

The striker is carrying a price tag of £1.1million, and is undoubtable one of Rotherham's strongest players.

He was Rotherham's top scorer last season, and should he stay at Milmoor, will be hoping to help keep them up, and possibly even help fulfill their playoff aspirations.
 

Jason Bowen, Robert Earnshaw and Andrew Campbell to score for City, for a victory in the Bluebirds' opening league fixture.