Tough first outing for Norwich City
Cardiff City host Norwich City to kick-off their Championship campaign on Saturday afternoon.
The Bluebirds are heading into their first full season under the management of Steve Morison, after the former Canaries striker replaced Mick McCarthy in the dugout last term.
Dean Smith leads Norwich into the second tier, as one of the favourites for the league title, with the division a very happy hunting ground for the club, finishing at the summit in their last two campaigns at the level.
However, Daniel Farke and Emiliano Buendia are no longer around, Teemu Pukki is aging and there is a losing mentality and potential hangover from picking up just 22 points in 38 games in the Premier League last season, scoring just 23 goals in the top-flight.
Background
The Bluebirds are still looking very light up front ahead of the first game, Jordan Hugill and Uche Ikpeazu have returned to their parent clubs while James Collins was sold to Derby County.
Max Watters appears to be the most suited to lead the line this weekend, with attacking reinforcement set to arrive before the end of the window, and the former Crawley Town man has not been able to assert himself at second tier level.
Morison deployed a back three formation last term, and Mark McGuinness, Perry Ng, Curtis Nelson and Cedric Kipre provide an impressive backline, to play in front of either Ryan Allsop, Jak Alnwick and Dillon Phillips between the sticks.
Gabriel Sara has joined the ranks at Norwich from Sao Paulo, it will be very interesting to monitor how the attack-minded midfielder adapts to English football.
Isaac Hayden has strengthened defensive midfield areas on loan from Newcastle United, with the Canaries retaining a group of players who have been very effective at the level in years gone by.
Max Aarons, Kenny McLean, Ben Gibson, Pukki and Kieran Dowell should be amongst the best performing players in their position in the division, as the club hope to continue their yo-yoing this season.
There will be a sense of optimism in the Welsh capital, with Cardiff boasting an exciting squad of younger players, and signings like Romaine Sawyers and Andy Rinomhota should enable them to establish greater control in games.
The Canaries will be hoping for a fast start and a clean sheet is definitely achievable against a lacklustre Bluebirds frontline, both teams would probably be content with a point if they were offered it before the game.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-0 Cardiff, Sawyers.