New look Bluebirds hope to prevent flying start from Canaries

Cardiff City boss Steve Morison is licking his lips at the prospect of sending out a virtually totally new team for the opening day clash with Norwich City at an expectant Cardiff City Stadium this weekend.

The former Welsh international has enjoyed an action packed transfer widow, replacing out of contract names to deliver a lean and hungry squad with fierce competition for all positions.

The Bluebirds now boast a choice of experienced goalkeepers as Ryan Allsop and Jak Alnwick who will battle it out for a place between the sticks.

Cedric Kipre looks a smooth acquisition at centre-back and may well start alongside Perry Ng – one of the few names home fans will recall from last year. Mahlon Romeo, Jamilu Collins and Vontae Daley-Campbell provide further defensive options alongside a young Joel Bagan.

Out wide it’s a hat full of riches as Morison will look to choose from; Sheyi Ojo, Ollie Tanner, Callum O’Dowda and Jaden Philogene-Bidace to provide the bullets for front men such as Max Waters to fire.

Ebou Adams will be disappointed to pick up that shoulder injury that could put his debut back to the autumn. Toss in Andy Rinomhota and Daley-Campbell, and it’s a strong squad in the Welsh capital.

Rubin Colwill, Mark Harris, Isaak Davies, Oliver Denham and even Eli King will also be looking for a big start to force their way onto the plane for Qatar as Wales look forward to the World Cup Finals – their first outing there since 1958. We still hear whispers of Aaron Ramsay joining the Bluebirds ahead of Qatar too. Exciting times.

The Bluebirds have rested their iconic No.7 shirt, worn with distinction by the late Peter Whittingham who helped steer the Welsh club to the 2008 FA Cup Final. The former Villa man sadly left us in 2020 following a freak accident.

It’s not all about the Bluebirds of course as the highly fancied Canaries will fancy their chances of a speedy return to the topflight following relegation last season.

Dean Smith can send out a strong and experienced X1 bolstered by proven names such as striker Teemu Pukki, keeper Tim Krul and captain Grant Hanley. Isaac Hayden has arrived on loan from Newcastle United while Gabriel Sara will bring his samba skills from Sao Paulo to Norfolk this year.

Former Bluebird Jordan Hugill will have the Cardiff defence at full attention and I am also looking forward once again to admiring the contribution of Todd Cantwell following relatively unproductive recent spells out on loan away from Carrow Road.

Cantwell could shine for the Canaries in the way that Jack Grealish lit up Villa Park before his move to Premier League giants Manchester City.

It all points to an exciting start to the EFL season in the Welsh capital.

Prost will be in Cardiff to bring you the best of the action.

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