Match Preview | City vs. Sheffield Wednesday
Cardiff City welcome Sheffield Wednesday to Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon (26/08), 3pm KO.
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OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Sheffield Wednesday’s manager is Xisco Muñoz, who was appointed in July 2023 following the departure of previous boss Darren Moore.
The Spaniard began his managerial career with Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi, leading the club to the Erovnuli Liga title for the first time in three seasons.
Moving to English football in December 2020 with Watford, Muñoz had a successful spell with the Hornets, achieving automatic promotion to the Premier League with a second-placed finish.
Departing the club in October 2021, the Owls boss had spells at Spanish side Huesca and Cypriot outfit Anorthosis prior to his move to Hillsborough.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
The Owls currently sit at the foot of the Championship table, having lost their opening three matches of the campaign.
On the opening day of the season, Muñoz’s men fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Southampton, despite striker Lee Gregory getting on the scoresheet.
A trip to Hull City followed, which resulted in a 4-2 defeat, with Turkish midfielder Ozan Tufan netting a hat-trick for the hosts.
Last time out, the Owls were beaten 1-0 by Preston North End, as Liam Lindsay found a second half winner.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan had represented the club since 2015, making over 300 league appearances.
Formerly of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, Bannan had a stellar season in League One last year, contributing with seven goals and 12 assists.
The midfielder also has experience at international level, having earned 27 caps for Scotland.
CLUB CONNECTION | GLENN LOOVENS
Defender Glenn Loovens joined the Bluebirds on loan from Feyenoord in the 2005/06 season, making an impression during his first year.
After making the move permanent, the Dutchman formed impressive centre-back partnerships with the likes of Darren Purse and Roger Johnson during his time at the Club.
Loovens played in all six matches during our FA Cup run of 2008, which culminated in the Bluebirds reaching the Final at Wembley.
After leaving City for Celtic in 2008, the defender joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2013, going on to be named captain in the 2014/15 season.
Loovens made over 130 league appearances in five years at Hillsborough, before departing in 2018.
