After just one season in the Premier League, Cardiff are back in England’s second tier.
The Bluebirds’ last stint in the top flight also lasted just one season and while the club showed glimpses of quality last season, Cardiff will be a lot more competitive in the Championship.
Manager Niel Warnock has a wealth of experience when it comes to promotion meaning Cardiff could well bounce straight back if the team performs to the best of its ability.
Last season
Cardiff failed to pick up any sort of momentum in the Premier League last season as they flirted with relegation throughout the campaign.
Failure to add any genuine Premier League quality to the squad in the summer transfer window ultimately worked against owner Vincent Tan.
They finished the season in 18th place – just two points behind Brighton & Hove Albion – and this tight margin will have been hard to take for everybody involved with the club.
Next season
While he may divide opinion, Neil Warnock has an unrivaled record in English football that significantly benefits Cardiff’s chances of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The veteran manager has claimed eight promotions in the professional leagues, and his decision to stay with the club for another season could prove to be decisive.
Although Cardiff have lost striker Kenneth Zohore to fellow promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion, the addition of Aden Flint and Will Vaulks will add to the club’s armor at the other end of the pitch.
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was the shining light in a bleak 2018/19 campaign and the team will no doubt profit from his quality again this season.
It’s often difficult to predict how newly relegated sides will fair upon their return to the Championship but if Warnock can continue to work his magic and the team can find some consistency, Cardiff are capable of securing a top-six finish.
FULL TIME: @LaticsOfficial 3-2 #CardiffCity Defeat for the #Bluebirds on the opening day.#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/W8SZY9CL25— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) August 3, 2019
FULL TIME: @LaticsOfficial 3-2 #CardiffCity Defeat for the #Bluebirds on the opening day.#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/W8SZY9CL25
Players in
Players out
Predicted league finish
The predicted league finish for Cardiff City is 6th. While they may not have the squad to compete for automatic promotion, Cardiff stand a real chance in the play-offs.