Cardiff City U18 training

U18 Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Charlton Athletic

Academy
Cardiff City’s U18 side continue their Premier Development League campaign on Saturday, as they welcome Charlton Athletic to Cardiff International Sports Campus – KO at 1pm.

On Tuesday, the young Bluebirds suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Barnsley, who sit second in the PDL North. Despite a second half goal from Ronan Kpakio, it wasn’t enough, as City suffered their first defeat in three league games.

The result keeps the Bluebirds in third place in the PDL South on 32 points. They have two games in hand on second place Watford, who are five points ahead, and three games in hand on leaders Bristol City, who are nine points ahead.

This weekend sees City welcome Charlton Athletic to Leckwith on Saturday afternoon. The Addicks head into Saturday’s contest one place behind City in fourth place, and with two games in hand on Tom Hutton’s side. Charlton are unbeaten in their last five Premier Development League games; a run that includes a victory against Watford. 

Tom Hutton in training for Cardiff City U18

Ahead of Saturday's clash, we caught up with head coach Hutton.

"We're excited for the game," Tom began. "I think it will be a real challenge for us in terms of the team that we know we're going to come up against. We've had a lot of really positive challenging against Charlton and I think they're always a bit of a benchmark to see where you are because they're always competing at the top of the table. We've been playing really well recently and have had some positive performances, so Saturday will provide us with a test to continue the positive work that we've been doing individually and collectively. 

"We've had a little bit of a lighter week, because the lads had the game on Tuesday. Some of the boys have been training with the U21s as well and they're preparing to be part of their squad for Monday against Swansea City."