While Cardiff City fell short in their hopes for promotion from the Championship this season, there are promising signs ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
With experienced manager Mick McCarthy at the helm and some new additions to the squad over the summer, it could be an exciting season to come for the Bluebirds.
Too Little Too Late
Despite McCarthy’s best efforts, Cardiff has failed to make up the ground on the frontrunners to finish just outside of the play-off places this season. Norwich City, who are 5/6 in the football betting to be relegated from the Premier League next term, have already secured automatic promotion alongside Watford. While Brentford, Bournemouth, Swansea, and Barnsley prepare for the play-offs, Cardiff will already be plotting a promotion push next term.
The Bluebirds have shown they are capable of mixing it with play-off teams this season, having drawn at Brentford and won at rivals Swansea City in April and March respectively. If Cardiff can be more consistent against teams below them in the table, then they stand a great chance of being in the mix for promotion in 12 months.
A Striker on the Agenda This Summer
It’s no secret Cardiff is on the hunt for a striker who can bag the necessary goals to carry them back to the Premier League. With Robert Glatzel up for grabs this summer, Cardiff is looking for a new frontman, with a number of names being linked with a move to the Welsh capital. One striker connected with a switch to Cardiff City Stadium is Sunderland star, Charlie Wyke. The Black Cats forward is out of contract at the Stadium of Light this summer, and a host of Championship clubs are interested in his services. Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, and Millwall have all been linked alongside the Bluebirds.
A focal point of attack will be key for Cardiff next season, and the experienced tactician McCarthy will be hoping to land a striker that can hit the ground running for the new campaign. Kieffer Moore has been a standout performer for the Bluebirds in attack this season, and it will be key Cardiff can keep hold of the Wales international who might attract interest from the Premier League. Being able to bring in another striker alongside Moore could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Fast Start Required Next Term
A slow start to this season really hurt the Bluebirds with their aspirations of promotion, and they will be determined to get off to a flyer in the campaign to come. Cardiff produced an impressive 11-game unbeaten run earlier in the campaign, which is no easy feat in the highly competitive second tier.
Knowing they are capable of such runs, should give them the confidence to really attack the automatic promotion places, in what is set to be another intriguing season in the Championship.
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