Cardiff v Rotherham Preview 2014

          Cardiff have improved in recent weeks. The club seems far more stable than it previously was at the start of the season. The new players have settled in well, and with Russell Slade at the helm, they look well organised. Cardiff's aim is to occupy a spot in the top six by the end of the calendar year, and they are on course to achieve that at the moment. Last weeks win over Watford was a great step forward, despite it not being the most convincing of victories, and it was enjoyable to see that at the end of the game, the manager went over to the fans to celebrate, portraying his passion for the club.

          Rotherham will be a fixture that many fans will expect Cardiff to take all three points from, but the players can not be complacent. Rotherham are hovering just above the relegation zone but that does not mean they are a weak side. Russell Slade knows all about Rotherham having lost to them in the League One Play Off final last year when he was in charge of Leyton Orient, so there is no doubt he will want revenge. Cardiff are unfortunately without Pilkington and Manga who have suffered injuries which rules them out of the game. Both these players are key to Cardiff's side, but given their strength in depth, they should be able to bring in players that can do the job just as well. With the Bluebirds being at home against a team that is likely to be involved in a relegation battle this year, anything less than a win will be disappointing.

          As for Rotherham, they have found life hard in the Championship so far, but should certainly not be under estimated. They have recorded famous wins against the likes of Wolves and Blackburn at the start of the season, but as is the story for many promoted sides, they find it hard to consistently perform at the level required to compete with the teams in this league.

          There is no doubt that Cardiff should win this game. They are more than capable of winning the match comfortably, but it will not come easy. Rotherham are fighting for their place in this league and will not go down without a fight. They know they have a challenge on their hands today, with Cardiff being one of the stronger sides in the Championship, but they will certainly give Russell's Slade's men a run for their money. However, I do believe Cardiff's quality will shine through, and they will record their ninth win of the season. 

Prediction: Cardiff 2-0 Rotherham