Meet the opposition | Cardiff City
As Swansea City prepare to take on Cardiff City in the latest edition of the South Wales derby, we take a closer look at the Bluebirds.
What’s their story?
Cardiff find themselves in their second season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2018-19 season.
That was their second Premier League campaign, having also suffered the drop on their previous top-flight stay during the 2013-14 season.
In total, the Bluebirds have spent 15 of the last 18 seasons in the second tier, while reaching the FA Cup final in 2008 and the League Cup final in 2012.
Earlier in their history they had top-flight spells in the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, enjoying notable success during the first of those periods.
Cardiff finished second in the First Division table in 1924 – as Huddersfield took the title - and won the FA Cup in 1927.
How’s their form?
Very good. Cardiff have lost just one of their last 13 Championship fixtures since Mick McCarthy took charge, with the sole loss coming to in-form Watford.
They have won seven of those games, with six of those coming consecutively, and the run of form has catapulted them into play-off contention.
Who’s the boss?
Mick McCarthy. The 62-year-old Yorkshireman replaced Neil Harris as Cardiff boss in January and has overseen an upturn in fortunes.
Started his playing career with hometown club Barnsley, and went on to represent Manchester City, Celtic, Lyon, Millwall and the Republic of Ireland before retiring.
Moved into management with the Lions, before becoming Republic of Ireland boss and leading them to the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
He went on to guide Sunderland and Wolves to promotion to the Premier League in his next two roles, before having a six-year stint in charge of Ipswich.
He returned to the Republic job in 2018, but left in 2020 before a short stint with Cypriot top-flight club APOEL.
Who’s the captain?
Sean Morrison. The centre-half has been with the Bluebirds since joining from Reading during the summer of 2014, and has been an integral part of their side ever since.
He has made over 250 league appearances for Cardiff, helping them win promotion to the top-flight in 2018.
He started out at Plymouth and Swindon, before making the move to the Madejski. During his time in Berkshire he had two successful loan spells with Huddersfield.
Who are the key men?
Kieffer Moore has enjoyed a fine start to his Cardiff career since joining from Wigan, and has racked up 16 goals in 33 Championship appearances.
Will Vaulks and Leandro Bacuna have struck up a combative midfield partnership under McCarthy, while wing-back Perry Ng has impressed since joining from Crewe.
Talisman Lee Tomlin has suffered with injury problems this season, but Liverpool loanees Harry Wilson and Sheyi Ojo have provided creativity in his absence.
