Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Plymouth Argyle
Cardiff City welcome Plymouth Argyle to Cardiff City Stadium on Boxing Day, 3pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Plymouth Argyle have suffered a blow over the festive fixtures, with manager Steven Schumacher making the move to fellow Sky Bet Championship club Stoke City.
Schumacher had been the manager of the Pilgrims since 2021 and led the club to the League One title at the end of last season, as well as finishing as runners-up in the Papa John's Trophy.
Assistant manager Mark Hughes, First Team coach Peter Cavanagh and goalkeeper coach Darren Behcet have also departed the club.
While the Pilgrims search for their new manager, director of football Neil Dewsnip and First Team coach Kevin Nancekivell have taken interim charge.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
The Pilgrims head to the Welsh capital currently sitting 17th in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Their last six fixtures have resulted in eight points, leaving them 13th in the form table.
Last time out, Plymouth faced Birmingham City at Home Park and showed character to come from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw.
Ben Waine pulled a goal back in the 68th minute, before Morgan Whittaker added a late equaliser with 86 minutes on the clock.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Argyle’s top scorer this season is attacker Whittaker, who made a permanent move to the club from Swansea City in the summer.
The 22-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan with the Pilgrims and netted nine goals in League One.
Continuing his form this season, Whittaker has 10 goals and four assists to his tally in all competitions this campaign.
The attacker averages a goal every 195 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 56%.
CITY FLASHBACK | FESTIVE WIN IN 2008
The Bluebirds welcomed Plymouth Argyle to Ninian Park on December 28th, 2008.
City were unbeaten in their last seven fixtures and were looking to continue an impressive run.
Dave Jones’ side did just that, ending the calendar year with three valuable points, despite some resistance from the visitors.
The key moment came in the 81st minute, as Jay Bothroyd popped up with the winning goal, clinically finding the net after some brilliant work from popular midfielder Gavin Rae.
