Lanky Will on the bench:
The thoughts of Chairman CJ:
That's a big call from Kim Hellberg then - the first time this season in the Championship that Lankshear doesn't start. Kyle Joseph will lead the line. Conway and McGree come back into the side after starting on the bench at Stoke.
In terms of Lankshear, it could be just a case of managing his minutes, having noted this week that he ran a lot in the last two games. There will need to be an element of protection, because you don't want to lose him to injury. But if they don't win, it will feel a big decision that backfires.
Beyond that big call, the big question will be how they line-up, with the three centre-backs in the lineup. It could mean staying in the back three, with Malanda at centre-back. Malanda could step up into midfield though, as we know.
If Malanda does step up, it doesn't say much for Connor Barron's prospects after impressing during the international break.
@boro-beckys-dad That view, though, is why we are where we are.
I can only see Malanda in midfield with that line-up - in theory it could be McGree partnering Morris if it's a 3-4-3 with wing-backs but given it's a home game Boro are usually on the front foot. Be interesting to see who plays centre-forward - I would favour Conway over Joseph.
... but I would expect it will be JosephI can only see Malanda in midfield with that line-up - in theory it could be McGree partnering Morris if it's a 3-4-3 with wing-backs but given it's a home game Boro are usually on the front foot. Be interesting to see who plays centre-forward - I would favour Conway over Joseph.
Well that’s me in front of the Telly in the warm and this time it is the BBC Tees commentary thank goodness! Have to sit inside though which is a bit of a shame but beer is in hand.
interesting selection from KH with Lankshear having a rest. My wish for the two wide men is correct although looks a back 3 to me - I hope since I don’t like Malander in midfield.
Eyes down for a full house 3 0 for me
UTB
... but I would expect it will be JosephI can only see Malanda in midfield with that line-up - in theory it could be McGree partnering Morris if it's a 3-4-3 with wing-backs but given it's a home game Boro are usually on the front foot. Be interesting to see who plays centre-forward - I would favour Conway over Joseph.
That's how the Beeb is calling it:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/ckddvdmgmg0yt
There's a 12-minute interview with KH among that lot. 😉
Oh dear , no Lankshear. That’s a boost for Cardiff. If he needs a rest I’d play him from the start and bring him off at the first sign of tiredness.
Another worry is who is going to help Morris. He can’t run all of midfield on his own and I don’t see Malander as his partner as the solution.
It needs other players to step up today. I’d be delighted with 1-0.
🤔🤔🤔Philip of Huddersfield
CJ:
Kyle Joseph
It's a big call from Hellberg. One, you'd imagine, made with protecting Lankshear, in mind. We'll of course ask about that after. While benching Lankshear will be the headline, we shouldn't forget the other part of this subplot though, Kyle Joseph. He leads the Boro line today in Lankshear's absence, just as he did at Doncaster Rovers.
The reality is, at 21, Lankshear is highly unlikely to start 46 games for Boro this season. They're going to have to win without him at times, or they're going to have to manage him so as not to overload him and risk injury. They're also going to need to have players like Joseph feeling like they will get chances, and feeling there's a reason to stay as sharp as possible.
It's a big opportunity for Joseph today. A tough start for him at Boro, arriving with the injury and missing pre-season. But he could really announce himself at the club today with a big performance.
If, as usual, Cardiff do come out and play, it could also leave space in behind, which Joseph's qualities would suit more than Lankshear's.
Bugger! Boro a goal down after 22 minutes. 🙁
In my post about the line ups, I mentioned Cardiff normally play with a two in midfield, but a four against Watford.
It looks as though it’s a four today also. Boro started brightly, but Cardiff have had the better chances and been on top. Although as I write this we have had two good chances ourselves.
Cardiff are edging the midfield though and we really need to see McGree eternally up for this one. Our midfield is not the strongest area by far, and we look light.
And as to confirm this Cardiff score at the near post. Poor defending, Morris at fault also and Vitek should save those.
Early I know but our defensive side of our game looks as though it will be our downfall.
It is looking as though Hellberg has got it wrong today
Bugger! Boro a goal down after 22 minutes. 🙁
CJ:
Awful goal to concede. McGree doesn't get hold of a ball played up to him. Moylan picks it up just outside the edge of Boro's box. Borges backs off, Morris is beaten easily and then he hits it low, beating Vitek at his near post.
Need a vast improvement in the second half if Boro are to rescue this game where Cardiff have been the better side; well organised out of possession and have taken their chance aided by poor defending/keeping.
Changes needed with Kyle Joseph ineffective and more creativity needed in midfield.
So far the game has a familiar feel of the not good type. 😎
Now 0-2 (first minute of injury time)... The Imps leading by the same score at Millwall!
Absolutely awful from us. Nothing from the midfield very ineffective. Mcgree has offered nothing his passing very poor, Joseph is just an ordinary player. Very flat performance. The better team is winning and they are defending for their life. I thought that after the international break we would have sorted out the defensive problems but it doesn't look like it.
Oh dear.
On the face of it, a first half performance that somewhat matches the team selection.
We have had a few decent chances to be fair but defensively the midfield in particular has been awful - so lazy in getting back for the second goal in particular. Vitek beaten at his near post for the first, with no real excuse from me this time.
Malanda and Phillips are so obviously the best centre back pairing for Boro and shouldn’t be tinkered with. McGree I’m so disappointed with.
Need some changes and a big second half now. Not beyond us.
Boro paying the price for underestimating Cardiff - trying to experiment and rest players - only one recognised midfielder and thinking Joseph is a centre-forward. Another late goal conceded by backing off and not engaging with the player on the ball until it was too late - McGree was only jogging back instead of giving it more intensity. There will need to be changes - wouldn't be surprised to see a triple substitution - Joseph, McGree and Ayling to be hooked for me - Boro need to start the second half with plenty of intensity and a much better shape.
There will need to be changes - wouldn't be surprised to see a triple substitution - Joseph, McGree and Ayling to be hooked for me - Boro need to start the second half with plenty of intensity and a much better shape.
CJ:
Lankshear and Berhalter
Both are out here doing what I'd describe as extensive warm-ups during the interval. Both just getting instructions from Linus Kandolin
Very poor first half indeed - sloppy passing and still we can’t defend. Whilst I keep saying that Malander is not a midfielder, I did think that with that selection that it might work, sadly I was horribly wrong.
bring on Berhalter and Lankshear after the break for McGree and Joseph, Malander Philips and Ayling as a back 3 - see how that goes and then options later on if required
P S Was typing that before I saw the previous post!
There will need to be changes - wouldn't be surprised to see a triple substitution - Joseph, McGree and Ayling to be hooked for me - Boro need to start the second half with plenty of intensity and a much better shape.
CJ:
Lankshear and Berhalter
Both are out here doing what I'd describe as extensive warm-ups during the interval. Both just getting instructions from Linus Kandolin
They replace Ayling & Joseph.
When you look at how much we have spent on defensive players and midfielders. Vitek is absolutely no better than Sol Brynn and one could argue not as good.
The defenders and midfield keep making the same mistakes and up front, Strelec at 5/6 million and Joseph at 4 look like big mistakes already. Even Erhalter looks Mmm for the championship
TC pulls one back in the 58th minute, assisted by Brittain!
TC pulls one back in the 58th minute, assisted by Brittain!
And they're level! Who else but Lanky Will? 61st minute, assisted by ACD. Can they repeat what they did at Stoke? 
. Vitek is absolutely no better than Sol Brynn and one could argue not as good.
...indeed I have done so, all season !!!
TC pulls one back in the 58th minute, assisted by Brittain!
And they're level! Who else but Lanky Will? 61st minute, assisted by ACD. Can they repeat what they did at Stoke?
CJ:
Three-touch Willy! His first goal that hasn't been a one-touch finish. Gets it on the edge, sets himself, and then bends one into the bottom corner with his left foot. Great finish.
Arfsten on for ACD in the 74th minute, MPH for McGree in the 79th.
Osho (Cardiff) sent off in the 83rd minute for a bad foul on Lanky Will, Sarmiento on for Borges in the 89th minute. Four minutes of injury time.
The only real positive we didn't lose after that shocking first half. Not sure if we can play as badly again. KH got the selection wrong but at least he had the guts to change it. The team that started the second half has to be the one that starts most games, injuries permitting. Just looked at the match stats we had 36 shots with 12 on target.
Good comeback after a very sloppy first half.
I think that one is on KH to be honest- got his team wrong today. I don’t mind giving Lankshear a rest if needed, especially given his importance, but disrupting the defence was a mistake in my view.
Also thought Sarmiento could have come on earlier - as soon as the red card came out to be honest.
Anyway, we got a point which didn’t look too likely at one point. Given many would have taken a point against Wolves and Stoke, we’re ahead of the curve and still on two points per game.
... at least we are unbeaten at home this season. I will take that after being 0-2 down at HT.
But there was time to get a winner. It is football, though. You cannot win all matches.
Up the Boro!
Losing 0-2 at home and you fear the worst.
So, I’m a little relieved that Boro came back to get a point.
But it must be said that against teams of Cardiff’s ability and playing at home it’s really 2 points dropped.
Philip of Huddersfield 👎👎☹️☹️