Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Stoke City
Steve Morison's Cardiff City face Stoke City in the Welsh capital on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022. 7:45pm KO!
Opposition Focus | Season so far
There are just three points separating Stoke City and Cardiff City going into Wednesday evening's fixture.
Both sides have won 12 of their league matches this term, with the Potters drawing three more games than the Bluebirds.
It would take a wild goal difference swing for City to overtake their opponents in the table whatever Wednesday's result, with Stoke currently on +3, and the Bluebirds on -12.
The away side come into this fixture without a league victory since February 8th, when they defeated Swansea City at home, 3-0.
Former Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill took over Stoke City in November 2019.
Opposition Focus: Ones to watch
Lewis Baker is Stoke's in-form man. The midfielder has netted six goals in just 11 fixtures since joining from Chelsea in January 2022.
The 26-year-old has had plenty of previous loan spells away from the Blues, with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Milton Keynes, Vitesse, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Reading, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Trabzonspor, but he certainly seems to be settling in well at his new permanent home.
Despite joining midway through the season, Baker is Stoke's second top goalscorer, behind Jacob Brown. Brown has made 42 appearances for the Potters this term, scoring ten times in all competitions.
Bluebirds & Stoke City | Club connections
Our most recent connection is full-back, Alfie Doughty, who joined City on loan from Stoke City in January. The defender, who has made six appearances so far in Cardiff City blue, will not be eligible to play against his former side.
Read about five further connections in our City vs. Stoke City | Five Familiar Faces article!
