OPPOSITION PREVIEW: BLACKBURN ROVERS

The Lancashire side will aim to end this season in the play-offs or better though manager Gary Bowyer will have his work cut out, restricted to free signings and loans after the club was placed under a transfer embargo. These restrictions leave Bowyer the monumental task of replacing Fulham-bound Tom Cairney and Joshua King, who has signed for Sky Bet Championship winners AFC Bournemouth.

A 1-1 home draw in February was the last meeting between these sides. Sean Morrison heading Cardiff in front late on but Rudy Gestede slotted in during injury time to ensure a second draw of the campaign.

The Bluebirds reached two F.A. Cup Final’s in the 1920’s, lifting the famous trophy in 1927. They also made it to Wembley in 1925, facing off against Blackburn Rovers in the semi-finals, and defeating Rovers, 3-1. Played at Notts County FC, the Bluebirds goals were scored by Joe Nicholson, Jimmy Gill and Harry Beadles.

Former Bluebirds Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway played a vital role in Rovers’ success last term with Gestede netting 22 league goals and Conway, who acted as supplier, getting 10 assists. This has led to Premier League interest in Gestede.