West Bromwich Albion take on Cardiff City at the Hawthorns on Saturday looking to bounce back from Tuesday evening’s defeat to Leeds United.
While the loss against the Whites will have hurt the players it is important to remember they are still only two points off the top and still lying in third place in the league.
Manager Slaven Bilic will have a decision to make with Hal Robson-Kanu flattering to deceive at Elland Road and it looks likely that Charlie Austin will be recalled to the starting line-up.
Cardiff are currently unbeaten in five games and are in a good run of form and despite only having less than 30% possession against QPR in their most recent outing they recorded an impressive victory.
It is almost certain they will sit back again tomorrow with Albion set to dominate the ball for long periods. Their widemen Gavin Whyte and Josh Murphy will be key tomorrow with Whyte’s battle with Ferguson set to be vital as they will look to stretch the Baggies defence from wide positions.
The Bluebirds have struggled with pace this season however and with this being an area in which West Brom are blessed, with the likes of Grady Diangana, Matt Phillips and Matheus Pereira they could make life very difficult for the Cardiff defence.
Predicted West Brom starting line-up vs Cardiff City: Johnstone, Ferguson, Ajayi, Bartley, Furlong, Diangana, Sawyers, Livermore, Phillips, Pereira, Austin.
Despite West Brom being a lot higher up the league table than their Welsh opponents this could prove to be a tougher encounter than some may think. Cardiff are in good form and with manager Neil Warnock being renowned for making it difficult for opponents it could be decided by the odd goal.
Match Prediction: West Brom 2-1 Cardiff City.
