Bring on Jose Mourhino’s Manchester United. The Bluebirds must not fear the challenge posed by the Reds – they are, after all, coming to the home of the Bluebirds.
United have spending power, international super stars and a manager who believes he is the best.
But they won’t fancy taking on a Neil Warnock team who are full of spirit, commitment, intensity and belief that they can survive.
I’m not sure how Warnock does it, but he has the players believing they can stay up. Long may that continue.
Warnock was left with plenty to ponder after their 3-2 defeat at Watford.
There is no question about the heart and desire in his Bluebirds team, but there are big decisions to be made – and fast.
Many thanks to the traveling fans was a tough one today your support is unreal #CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/QkEIgeH9LX
— Junior Hoilett (@jnrhoilett) December 15, 2018
Josh Murphy is a potent danger with his pace and class in possession, but he is a defensive liability. Cardiff manager Warnock will certainly be helping the young playmaker with that.
Bruno Manga again looked edgy and uncomfortable at right-back, while Lee Peltier took over from the injured Joe Bennett at left-back and looked the part.
Manga, for me, simply has to play in the centre. He is a quality defender through the middle and decisions have to be made whether he partners Sean Morrison or Sol Bamba.
Bobby Decordova-Reid showed he can be a genuine influence in this team and scored a well taken goal. City must give him more match minutes and set him running at opposing teams.
More than 2,000 Bluebirds fans travelled to Vicarage Road and Warnock’s players again showed there is hope.
They were three goals down after 68 minutes, but gave the Hornets a scary last 10 minutes or so after Junior Hoilett and Reid scored.
Thank you to all the supporters travelling in these conditions. Cheering and making themselves heard the whole game, No matter the result, no matter the weather we stick together! #cityasone #bluebirds #cardiffcityfc #football #goalkeeper #premierleague pic.twitter.com/byZkGZyCNa
— Neil Etheridge (@Neil38Etheridge) December 15, 2018
The truth is, though, that Cardiff have only earned one point from away fixtures and they have to improve on that.
Warnock was furious with referee Andy Madley and described him as a ‘Sunday trainee’.
“I cannot understand why we had Andre Marriner as the fourth official, and a referee who has not refereed a game all season,” said Warnock.
“Unless it’s because we are Cardiff and they say we can have a Sunday trainee or somebody?”
Warnock felt Madley should have shown Hornets striker Troy Deeney a yellow card after he collided with man of the match goalkeeper Neil Etheridge while sliding for the ball in the second half.
Madley was refereeing his first Premier League match of the season.
https://twitter.com/vicama8/status/1074046796308144128
The 35-year-old has predominantly refereed in the Championship this season and has 100 Championship matches and plenty more Football League and FA Cup games to his name.
“Troy should have been booked,” said Warnock. “I don’t understand why we have to be the experimental side.
“Is it because they feel sorry for us? Or feel we are not important?
“You cannot tell me Marriner would not have given Deeney a card of some sort. It was a terrible tackle. We do not queue up and surround the referee. It upsets me when I see other teams get away with things.
“Deeney could have pulled out early doors or not put his studs up. It warranted a card. I am disappointed to have an inexperienced referee. At least it gives him practice and is great for his assessors.”
Goals from Gerard Deulofeu, Jose Holebas and Domingos Quinas gave Watford a 3-0 lead with 22 minutes left, but Cardiff earned respect with the quality of ferocity off their comeback.
“The lads did well at the end and never gave up,” said Warnock. “We tried to frustrate them and thought we could have a go at them in the last half hour but it didn’t work out.
“Individual errors which we’d have got away with in the Championship have cost us.
“It will be the best result of the season if and when a first away victory comes.
“We have two tough away games at Crystal Palace and Leicester coming up after we host Manchester United next weekend.
“We have got to be a little bit more positive in certain areas and not as apprehensive.”
Etheridge was outstanding and Warnock said: “He’s improving and has been working on his positioning with Andy Dibble.
“Now he’s feeling comfortable at this level. He has strong feet now which has given him a better opportunity to be more agile. He was a big plus today.”
Watford manager Javi Gracia said: “Cardiff’s goalkeeper was amazing. The last part of the game was a good lesson for us to know how we have to manage the game.”
The Bluebirds are still outside the relegation zone and ready to face Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United next Saturday (5.30pm).
Cardiff City: Neil Etheridge, Bruno Manga, Sean Morrison (capt), Sol Bamba, Joe Bennett (Lee Peltier 60), Junior Hoilett, Harry Arter, Aron Gunnarsson (Bobby Decordova-Reid 78), Victor Camarasa, Josh Murphy (Nathaniel Mendez-Laing 46), Callum Paterson. Subs not used: Alex Smithies (gk), Joe Ralls, Kenneth Zohore, Kadeem Harris.
Watford: Foster, Deulofeu (Cleverley 87), Deeney (Oaka 81), Sema (Success 77), Cathcart, Doucoure, Quina, Femenia, Holebas, Kabasele, Pereyra. Subs not used: Gomes, Mariappa, Masina, Chalobah.
Referee: Andy Madley
Attendance: 20,032