Neil Warnock takes charge of his first Cardiff City fixture this Friday but who will struggle to secure a spot in the starting XI?
Neil Warnock will be looking to put his own spin on his Cardiff team
Cardiff City take on Bristol City this Friday in Neil Warnock’s first game in charge and we’ll get a real idea of what the veteran boss’ team will look like during his time in South Wales.
Some players will suit Neil Warnock’s style but others could see their spot in the starting XI slip away but who are those player?
Jazz Richards
Fulham’s Jazz Richards in action with Blackburn’s Jordon Rhodes
The Welsh international has started regularly since he was brough to the club by former boss Paul Trollope but he may see his play-time limited under Neil Warnock.
Warnock likes defenders whose priority is defending well and Richards is more suited to a back five where he can push on and limit his defensive duties slightly.
Richards is known for being a little clumsy when he’s up against an attacking player and Warnock isn’t one to gamble on liabilities at the back.
Lee Peltier, Joe Benett and Declan John all offer a more reliable option at the back and Richards may end up disappointed come Friday and perhaps, over the course of the season.
Joe Ralls
Derby’s Tom Ince and Cardiff’s Declan John and Joe Ralls (R) in action
When Ralls broke onto the scene under Russell Slade, he was seen as the next best thing to come out of the Cardiff academy but his performance levels have dropped massively in recent months.
The young midfielder gives the ball away far too often in the middle of the park and that’s not something Neil Warnock will stand for.
Warnock will much prefer a solid option like Aron Gunnarsson in the middle and Joe Ralls could become a victim of that.
Something isn’t working in the Cardiff line-up currently and if you were to draw up a list of three players who may be at the route of that, Joe Ralls is a player who would find himself in the three.
Lex Immers
Lex Immers of Cardiff City (L) in action with Mark Little of Bristol City
The Dutchman made a terrific impact when he signed in January last season but he’s failed to hit those heights this season.
His play may suit Warnock’s ethos to a degree but the new boss may opt to bring a quicker player in behind the strikers.
Immers has real ability and I think he will be used throughout the season but expect him to be dropped short-term as Warnock attempts to put his own stamp on the shape of the team.
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