Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Sunderland
The Bluebirds begin the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship campaign by hosting Sunderland at Cardiff City Stadium.
The fixture will take place on Saturday, August 10th, 12.30pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
The Black Cats have appointed a new manager ahead of this campaign, with Frenchman Régis Le Bris taking the hot seat.
The 48-year-old was announced back in June, signing a three-year contract on July 1st.
In his playing days, Le Bris represented Rennes and Laval in France, before ending his career with Belgian side Ronse. He was also capped internationally by France’s youth sides.
Switching to coaching in 2003, the Frenchman held roles as a youth coach at Wasquehal, Rennes and Lorient, before managing the latter’s B team.
In 2022, Le Bris was appointed the manager of Lorient and went on to lead the club in 76 matches, with a win percentage of 30.26%.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | LAST SEASON
The 2023/24 campaign saw the Black Cats finish 16th in the Sky Bet Championship table.
The side began the season with Tony Mowbray as manager, before Michael Beale held the role until February, with Mike Dodds guiding them to the end of the season.
Of their 46 matches, Sunderland claimed victory on 16 occasions, but fell to 22 defeats.
Having accumulated 56 points, 32 of those came at the Stadium of Light, but the side struggled on their travels, amassing six wins in 22 away matches.
However, over the course of the season, there were some impressive results recorded, as the side claimed a 5-0 win over promoted Southampton, as well as a 1-0 victory against Leeds United.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS
Over the summer, Sunderland added plenty of Sky Bet Championship experience to their ranks.
Goalkeeper Simon Moore, a former Bluebird, made the move to the Stadium of Light from Coventry City.
Fellow shot-stopper Blondy Nna Noukeu has also been added, having previously been at Stoke City.
In midfield, the Blacks Cats have made the shrewd acquisition of midfielder Alan Browne on a free transfer from Preston North End.
The Republic of Ireland international represented the Lilywhites in 414 matches in all competitions and was a key part of their side.
Following his departure from Leeds United, Ian Poveda has also joined Sunderland after finishing last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
CITY FLASHBACK | PATO AT THE DOUBLE AT CCS
The 2017/18 season was memorable for a whole host of reasons, one of them being a fantastic performance in a 4-0 victory over the Black Cats in January.
After City threatened in the opening period, the second 45 got off to the perfect start, with popular figure Callum Paterson heading home the opener.
The Bluebirds doubled the lead with one of the best goals of that campaign. Kenneth Zohore bulldozed his way forward, before teeing up Joe Ralls to sweep home.
Pato put the result beyond doubt with a fine first-time finish, after the ball dropped kindly to him from Zohore’s free-kick.
Capping off a fine showing, Anthony Pilkington neatly tucked home inside the area late-on, as City gathered some crucial momentum to drive to promotion.