U23 Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Cardiff City
For their first outing of the New Year, Cardiff City’s U23 side travel to face Crystal Palace for a Professional Development League Two clash on Monday, 7th January 2019 – 1pm kick-off.
Know Your Opponent
Crystal Palace U23s are currently managed by a former club stalwart and defender, Richard Shaw. The 50 year old made 207 league appearances for the club between 1986 and 1995.
Under Shaw’s management, the London based club enjoyed a very successful 2017/18 campaign. His side failed to win only 10 of their 29 league games; finishing top of the table with an impressive tally of 60 points.
The Eagles are currently in third position in the PDL2 standings, with 25 points; five points behind Ipswich Town in first place. Palace were heavily defeated 6-3 by Coventry City in their most recent league encounter on Friday, 14th December 2018. Nya Kirby, Joseph Hungbo and Levi Lumeka netted for the travelling Palace side.
Last Time Out
The Bluebirds and Eagles settled for a 2-2 draw when they played each other earlier in the season on Monday, 29th October 2018.
City began the game well and deservedly took the lead through former Bolton Wanderers striker Gary Madine. The 28 year old expertly headed home a pinpoint Cameron Coxe delivery to break the deadlock shortly after the half hour mark. Chances became sparse in the second period until the determined hosts doubled their advantage after 73 minutes. Substitute Jamie Veale tapped home from close range after Madine’s curled strike was dropped by the ‘keeper.
Despite the two goal advantage the visitors fought back to claim a point following two late goals from Levi Lumeka and Brandon Aveiro.
Pre-Match Quotes
Ahead of the meeting, U23 Head Coach Jarred Harvey shared his thoughts of the trip to face the Eagles.
“Crystal Palace will be tough, they’re a good side,” began Jarred. “It’s good time off to prepare ourselves for this game too so that we can get some players back to full fitness. It’ll be a good opportunity for the players to prepare themselves.”
