SPORTS journalist and Cardiff City correspondent for the South Wales Echo, Terry Phillips, gives us the lowdown on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men ahead of the Crystal Palace game...
What do you make of Cardiff's season since they played Palace back in December? It was a difficult time for Malky Mackay last December – and it has been difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since January. Cardiff have won only three times in 17 Premier League matches since that trip to Palace, and two of those have come under Solskjaer. Now they need three wins from their last six matches to keep hopes alive. Mackay set his team up to be solid and competitive. Solskjaer has altered the balance to find more goals and Cardiff have produced some good performances at times.Is this the biggest game of the season for Cardiff, considering both clubs' positions? This is the latest 'biggest game of the season'. West Brom was the biggest last week and Southampton away next week will be the same.What sort of reception will Joe Ledley get Cardiff-born, Cardiff-bred. Joe Ledley will get a big welcome. Joe served the Bluebirds well and home fans will respect him for that. It will be good to see Joe playing at Cardiff City Stadium again.What's Wilfried Zaha been like with Cardiff so far? He still hasn't completed 90 minutes in seven Premier League appearances.The only time he has played a full 90 minutes was against Wigan in the FA Cup. Cardiff fans are still waiting to see the best of Zaha, but there have been flashes which have shown how good he can be.Which player(s) should Palace look out for Goalkeeper David Marshall has been player of the season for the Bluebirds, while captain Steven Caulker is the only one to have played in every minute of every Premier League match this season. He has been outstanding.What are your memories of facing Palace? So many. The League Cup semi-finals in 2012 were amazing with Cardiff winning on penalties and playing Liverpool in the final.Have you been impressed with any Palace players this season? Marouane Chamakh seems to have an awful lot of ability, but doesn't seem to produce it regularly. I also watch out for the ex-Cardiff City players in the Palace squad – Danny Gabbidon, Cameron Jerome and Joe LedleyFinally, a score prediction for Saturday? It's win or bust for Cardiff City. They must tighten up at the back so I'm going 3-1 Cardiff. Hopefully Palace don't find their scoring form this weekend.
What do you make of Cardiff's season since they played Palace back in December? It was a difficult time for Malky Mackay last December – and it has been difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since January. Cardiff have won only three times in 17 Premier League matches since that trip to Palace, and two of those have come under Solskjaer. Now they need three wins from their last six matches to keep hopes alive. Mackay set his team up to be solid and competitive. Solskjaer has altered the balance to find more goals and Cardiff have produced some good performances at times.Is this the biggest game of the season for Cardiff, considering both clubs' positions? This is the latest 'biggest game of the season'. West Brom was the biggest last week and Southampton away next week will be the same.What sort of reception will Joe Ledley get Cardiff-born, Cardiff-bred. Joe Ledley will get a big welcome. Joe served the Bluebirds well and home fans will respect him for that. It will be good to see Joe playing at Cardiff City Stadium again.What's Wilfried Zaha been like with Cardiff so far? He still hasn't completed 90 minutes in seven Premier League appearances.The only time he has played a full 90 minutes was against Wigan in the FA Cup. Cardiff fans are still waiting to see the best of Zaha, but there have been flashes which have shown how good he can be.Which player(s) should Palace look out for Goalkeeper David Marshall has been player of the season for the Bluebirds, while captain Steven Caulker is the only one to have played in every minute of every Premier League match this season. He has been outstanding.What are your memories of facing Palace? So many. The League Cup semi-finals in 2012 were amazing with Cardiff winning on penalties and playing Liverpool in the final.Have you been impressed with any Palace players this season? Marouane Chamakh seems to have an awful lot of ability, but doesn't seem to produce it regularly. I also watch out for the ex-Cardiff City players in the Palace squad – Danny Gabbidon, Cameron Jerome and Joe LedleyFinally, a score prediction for Saturday? It's win or bust for Cardiff City. They must tighten up at the back so I'm going 3-1 Cardiff. Hopefully Palace don't find their scoring form this weekend.
