Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Portsmouth
Cardiff City begin the Carabao Cup campaign by welcoming Portsmouth to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening (09/08), 7.45pm KO.
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OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
On the touchline for Portsmouth is Danny Cowley, who was appointed in March 2021.
Having started out his managerial career at Concord Rangers, the Pompey boss achieved three promotions during his seven years at the club, sparking the interest of Braintree Town, who were then in the National League.
Cowley’s solitary season with the Iron was a remarkable success, guiding them to their highest ever finish of third, going on to be defeated in the Play-Offs by Grimsby Town.
Success continued during his spell at Lincoln City, where he guided the club to two promotions, as the Imps returned to League One for the first time since 1999.
Having also spent a season in charge of Championship club Huddersfield Town, Cowley, along with his brother and assistant coach Nicky, are now in their second full season in charge at Fratton Park, with the club finishing 10th in League One last season.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER SIGNINGS
With eleven new signings making the switch to Portsmouth this summer, Cowley has a mix of experience and youth in his recruitment.
Utilising the loan market, the Pompey boss has brought in goalkeeper Josh Griffiths and striker Dane Scarlett from West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, with Blackpool’s Owen Dale and Ipswich Town’s Joe Pigott also joining.
Cowley has added experience to his squad in the form of midfielder Marlon Pack, who departed the Bluebirds this summer, along with former Reading defender Michael Morrison and Joe Rafferty from Preston North End.
With striker Colby Bishop signing from Accrington Stanley, Pompey recently made the acquisition of talented midfielder Tom Lowery, who left Crewe Alexandra at the expiry of his contract.
Cowley has also brought in some exciting young talent, with defender Zak Swanson and goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi joining from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYERS
Striker Bishop has made a bright start to his time at Fratton Park, finding the net on his competitive debut for the club in a 3-3 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.
Playing a big part in his goals tally this season will be wingers Michael Jacobs and Ronan Curtis.
Jacobs, who also netted against Sheffield Wednesday, has made an impression since joining in 2020 from Wigan Athletic and poses a danger in his left-wing position.
Curtis has been linked with a number of Championship clubs due to his performances in League One, scoring 40 league goals in 160 games for Pompey.
The winger is also a full international, having made seven first-team appearances for Republic of Ireland.
CITY FLASHBACK | CONWAY NETS STUNNING INJURY-TIME WINNER
Back in January 2012, the Bluebirds played out a thrilling contest against Pompey, which ended in dramatic fashion.
Despite Kenny Miller opening the scoring, City fell behind through Marko Futacs and Greg Halford’s goals.
With the Bluebirds trailing, Scottish winger Craig Conway stepped up to lead the City fightback, crossing well for Mark Hudson to head home.
With the contest set to end in a draw, Conway produced a moment of magic, striking a ferocious 35-yard winner in added time to give the Bluebirds the three points.
Conway would go on to play his part in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2013, before departing permanently for Blackburn Rovers in January 2014, having scored five goals from 58 league appearances in a City shirt.
