Quote Originally Posted by Keyser Soze View Post
Good Monday. And indeed, it is a good Monday!

In the red corner, our opposition, Leeds United. What is likely to be one of the toughest squads to compete against in the division, a very technical coach in Daniel Farke who has won the Championship twice on both attempts, and a slew of parachute money to augment their squad as they desire, this was always going to be a first tough test.

In the blue corner, our beloved Cardiff City. An unknown coach. A squad with new arrivals who barely know each other. Questionable signings, anonymous signings, a few unproven players, a few players who had lost their way, those returning from injury and rusty, and a few with serious injury records, this was a real rag bag, cobbled together against the clock.

My personal view was that perhaps we would go down to a narrow defeat with a knightly performance. That we scrabbled a draw, made it count when we had the ball, and showed a great spirit bodes well. But I think like any gambler, or serious speculator, it is most satisfying when your predictions come true.

My predictions - beautiful
1. I predicted that Meite would be a squad player against the consensus, and on the basis of Bulut's starting eleven that was accurate. He may nick Karlan Grant's place occasionally, but he will fighting for that slot. It will not be given to him. He will need to find fitness, form and confidence before that happens and he will need to earn it.

2. I predicted that Ike Ugbo would be one of the better signings on RJK's thread, and that he had the pace and recent scoring ratios, plus an education at the Chelsea academy to be a good surprise. Many wouldn't give him a sniff and questioned whether he should be here at all. 1 game: 1 assist and a goal. A great start, but of course the full season will prove or disprove. The YouTube videos showed his repertoire - he scores with his left, right, his head, and makes clever runs with electric pace. I stick my neck out - more, and quite a few goals will come from this lad. Quick, a dangerous finisher - all he needs is good service. With Rambo, Colwill, Bowler, O'Dowda and Robinson providing the ammo he is going to get all the service he needs.

3. Dimitrious Goutas. I predicted that this boy will be a good and a stout leader. He has landed in this first 11 as good as he could have. He will be a crowd favourite and a leader, and I really like him. That has come good.

All apologies accepted at the end of the season gents. But naturally, being an exceptionally humble man that does not wish to inflict severe embarrassment on my fellow bluebirds, I shall not demand those apologies nor ask you to beg for forgiveness. We shall celebrate and joust together as the season unfolds, like the good men we are.

I predict 8th for final place - this will be a good decent season for us, but just failing at the playoffs. There we have it. We move forward.
I reckon there are 16 teams who are better then us, most by a distance. However good you think we are, we compete with 23 other clubs, and are firmly in the lower bracket IMHO.