**official match day thread - brentford v cardiff city

[maisie'sdadVice Captain]

The bluest of the North American bluebirds, the mountain bluebird has bright blue plumage and a winning personality. As we are all aware City sure could do with some of the winning bit. Often seen hovering over fields as it hunts for insects, especially bees! the eastern bluebird, immediately above is similar in colour to the western bluebird.

Anyway to business. In Mark Warburton, Brentford have at their disposal an ex city trader who has become one of the brightest managerial prospects in the championship. Has won 55% of the 60 games he has been in charge (won 33, drew 11, lost 16) An impressive record by any standard and his exit this coming summer is being regretted by many fans. it is another case of manager and an owner having a fundamental disagreement.


Russell Slade has warned his Cardiff City squad that they are playing for their futures at the club.

The manager off-loaded a clutch of players in the January transfer window and made it clear that there could be further departures in the summer.

Cardiff have 10 Championship games remaining, beginning with Saturday's trip to promotion-chasing Brentford.
"They are well aware these 10 games are important for a lot of reasons," Slade said.
"They understand there is a little bit of restructuring. They saw the restructuring go on in January.
"They knew that next opportunity will be the summer and it's important they work hard if they want to be a part of that process going forward. And I am sure they do."

Cardiff are again set to be without injured goalkeeper David Marshall for the trip to London.
The captain missed last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Charlton and is a "major doubt" for the Brentford encounter, but Slade said Marshall should be fit for Scotland's internationals with Northern Ireland and Gibraltar later this month.
Slade also said striker Joe Mason was close to a return to action after a hamstring problem, while Anthony Pilkington and Kagisho Dikgacoi were making progress with their injuries.
After Brentford, Cardiff face another top six side when Bournemouth come to the Welsh capital next Tuesday.
"I am really looking forward to these two games. I am hoping it shows us that we have made some progress and we are moving forward," Slade added.


Brentford manager Mark Warburton has no new injury or suspension worries.
Midfielder Alan Judge (knee) is back in contention otherwise boss Warburton could name an unchanged side.

Cardiff skipper Aaron Gunnarsson is a doubt and Joe Ralls who is pushing for a recall to the side could come into deputise.
Goalkeeper David Marshall could return after a groin problem, while Alex Revell is pushing for a start after a disappointing start to life at Cardiff.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-Head
• Brentford won the earlier meeting this season 3-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium in December - their first win in three meetings.
• Cardiff won the last meeting at Griffin Park 2-0 in the old Division Two in March 2003 - their only win in the last five meetings there.

Brentford
• Brentford have lost only one of their last five games. Their only defeat since mid-February was 1-0 at Birmingham on 28 February.
• Brentford have won their last three games at Griffin Park, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one.

Cardiff
• Cardiff have won two of their last four games, after winning none of their previous eight games in all competitions.
• Cardiff are unbeaten in their last four away games, winning the last two. Their last defeat on the road was 2-1 at Middlesbrough on 20 January.

[Tans TacheNational Legend]

1-0 brentford

[Arkay DubyaGlobal Superstar]

3-0 Brentford

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Late last season, we expected another free-footballing side, Southampton, to absolutely obliterate us, but we won at St Mary's, fair & square.

Realistically, Brentford ought to stick a shed load past us tomorrow, as regardless of what Mr Slade says about tightening up, we are still making horrendous defensive errors and, I believe, suffer from playing defenders out of position.

If Malone isn't fit, then it has got to be Peltier & Fabio at FB. The best way of taking pressure off a defense is to attack and Fabio not being used at all is madness.

To make it worse, still toothless up front, so 0 - 2 Brentford.

[maisie'sdadVice Captain]

got to go with the love of my life, c'mon city 0-1 to the bluebirds

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

I'm going to miss the game as I'm at a family event but I'm not feeling overly confident about this one. 1-1draw for me.

[glasgowronnieCaptain of Country]

Not sure but going to guess 3-1 to brentford

[maisie'sdadVice Captain]

WELL WELL WELL



EVEN WALES BEAT THE MURPHYS



MUST BE MY MATCH DAY THREADS

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

The match stats don't look good, but a win is a win.

Sounds like Macheda was unlucky to get the 2nd yellow, which is a shame given he is running into form. I suppose the club might appeal it.

[maisie'sdadVice Captain]

AT LEAST WE BEAT THEM ON FOULS 14 - 17

[CyncoedslumdogNational Legend]

32% possession! What a day. Wales game was amazing.

[Arkay DubyaGlobal Superstar]

What a mugging!

[Arkay DubyaGlobal Superstar]

32% possession! What a day. Wales game was amazing.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

32% possession! What a day. Wales game was amazing.

Tense finishes to both games, but both Wales and City appear to have raised their games when really needed. England losing 10 - 13 at half-time. A win for the Jocks would make this a perfect day.

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

well I didn't elect that score - Terry Phillips called it anot amazing performance whilst Chris Waltham wasnt as convinced if his player ratings are anything to go by.

For me, it must have been a great performance. We were not expected to dominate any of the statics but we still managed to create chances and score.

To hold out with 9 men against this team is very impressive in of itself.

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