Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough
The Bluebirds return to Sky Bet Championship action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Middlesbrough to Cardiff City Stadium.
The fixture will take place on August 31st, kicking off at 12.30pm.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Middlesbrough’s manager is Michael Carrick, who was appointed in October 2022.
During his playing days, Carrick, a midfielder, started his career at West Ham United, before representing Tottenham Hotspur.
Signing for Manchester United in 2006, he made a remarkable 464 appearances for the Red Devils, achieving the Premier League title five times, as well as winning the Champions League in 2008.
Since moving into coaching and management, Carrick has previously been part of the staff at Manchester United, prior to his move to the Riverside Stadium.
In his 92 matches in charge of Boro, the side have won on 46 occasions, with a win percentage of 50%.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
Middlesbrough began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City, with Emmanuel Latte Lath netting the decisive goal.
An impressive result followed in the Carabao Cup, as they claimed a 3-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road, as Anfernee Dijksteel, Delano Burgzorg and Josh Coburn all netted within a 17-minute period in the second half.
Since then, the side’s results have dipped, falling to a 1-0 defeat at Derby County’s Pride Park, before a 2-2 draw at home to Portsmouth.
In midweek, Carrick’s men returned to Carabao Cup action, but were heavily beaten by Stoke City, with the contest ending 5-0.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS
Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Boro have added six new faces to their squad.
In defence, Brazilian full-back Neto Borges was signed from French side Clermont Foot, while Luke Ayling returned to the club following his departure from Leeds United.
Their midfield has been bolstered by the arrival of Aidan Morris from MLS outfit Columbus.
Two wingers have also been added, with Micah Hamilton and Burgzorg joining from 1.FSV Mainz and Manchester City respectively.
Up front, Tommy Conway has signed from Bristol City and netted his first goal for the club in the draw against Portsmouth.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Middlesbrough’s most important player is striker Latte Lath.
The attacker joined the club in 2023 from Atalanta, having netted 16 goals in all competitions on loan at St. Gallen in the 2022/23 season.
At 25 years of age, the Ivorian enjoyed a positive first season in the Sky Bet Championship last term.
He found the net on 16 occasions in the league, as well as being on target twice in the Carabao Cup.
His strike against Swansea City on the opening day of the campaign is his only goal so far this season.