This is from Wales Online newspapers HILARIOUS STUFF DAVID MARSHALL v ASMIR BEGOVIC: Bosnian Begovic is one of the unsung goalkeepers in the Premier League and has been in splendid form. But Marshall has been the country’s number one No1, full stop, during 2013-14, pulling off blinding stops in every game. Marshall 9 (out of 10), Begovic 8 KEVIN THEOPHILE v GEOFF CAMERON Sometimes Cardiff’s right-back looks a world-beater. Fast, decisive, strong in the tackle. On other occasions, he appears utterly vulnerable. Cameron is a USA defender who previously played for Houston Dynamo and Rhode Island Stringrays. Not great pedigree there. Theophile 6, Cameron 6 STEVEN CAULKER v RYAN SHAWCROSS Caulker took Shawcross’ place in the England set-up, so he is clearly the superior of the two captains and centre-backs. Caulker oozes class and is a brilliant reader of games. Shawcross is the more robust tackler. Ask Aaron Ramsey. Caulker 8, Shawcross 7 JUAN CALA v MARC WILSON Cala has re-ignited Cardiff’s season with his stunning winning goal at Southampton. The jury is still out on him defensively, as it is on Wilson who has won 12 caps for the Republic of Ireland and who has replaced veteran Robert Huth as Shawcross’s partner. Cala 6, Wilson 6 FABIO v ERIC PIETERS: Fabio has been a huge disappointment since coming to Cardiff, but looked a lot more assured defensively at Southampton. Pieters has had a commendable first season in the Premier League since joining from PSV. Has won 17 caps for the Netherlands. Fabio 6, Pieters 7 GARY MEDEL v GLENN WHELAN This will be a key battle between two solid midfield men who will never set the world on fire with their offensive prowess. Medel’s energy levels appear to have dipped recently, but if he plays well so do Cardiff. Whelan has vast experience, having won more than 50 caps for the Republic of Ireland. Medel 7, Whelan 6 PETER WHITTINGHAM v CHARLIE ADAM: Whittingham has been in, out, then back in favour again under the Solskjaer regime. He brings a composure and ball retention ability the Bluebirds desperately need. Strong, hard, Adam is an old nemesis of Cardiff, having shone in that play-off final for Blackpool, but are his best days behind him? Whittingham 7, Adam 7 JORDON MUTCH v STEPHEN IRELAND: Ireland brings some creativity to the Stoke team and his ability on the ball is helping transform their perception as a boring route one team. Mutch doesn’t have that flair, but he possesses real quality with his drive and goal threat from the Cardiff midfield. Mutch 8, Ireland 7 MATS DAEHLI v MARKO ARNAUTOVIC If we’re talking quality, and Odemwingie is, then Daehli has it in abundance. The Norwegian teenager is destined for big things and has been compared to David Silva by Solskjaer. Arnautovic is a flamboyant player and has scored seven times in 31 games for Austria at the highest level. Daehli 8, Arnautovic 8 WILFRIED ZAHA v PETER ODEMWINGIE Many Cardiff fans were happy to see Odemwingie leave, although there is no doubt Stoke had the better of the swap deal involving him and Kenwyne Jones. Odemwingie has rediscovered his scoring boots. Zaha has shown his best in glimpses for Cardiff and needs to produce more. Zaha 7, Odemwingie 6 FRAIZER CAMPBELL v PETER CROUCH A complete contrast in styles here. Campbell is busy, pacy and a menace to defenders with his runs in behind them. Crouch doesn’t do that, but at 6ft 7in he will be a real menace with his aerial ability and knock-downs to Odemwingie and Ireland. Campbell 7, Crouch 7 TOTALS: Cardiff 79 (out of 110), Stoke 75 (out of 110)
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 18:41:50 +0000
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