The first matchday of the Championship will feature a Welsh derby between Cardiff and Wrexham. The hosts returned to the Championship after one season in League One and are heading into the match in excellent spirits, having thrashed Roma 4-1 in their last friendly. Their pre-season form has been impressive: the thrashing of Midtjylland was followed by impressive victories over Cork City, Forest Green, and Roma. Furthermore, Cardiff won 17 of their 23 home league matches last season, underscoring their strength at home. Given that Cardiff won their last three head-to-head meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the League Cup last year, they look like the favorites.
The North Wales club spent around £16 million to strengthen their squad, signing goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, defender Danny Imray, and midfielder Ben Whiteman. Their goal is to fight for promotion to the Premier League, and last season they finished seventh, just outside the playoffs. Although Wrexham lost to Middlesbrough in the League Cup and ended pre-season with a defeat to Sunderland, those matches were against strong opposition. They beat Manchester United and Leeds in pre-season, demonstrating their ability to prepare for big matches.
So, we're expecting a tense game. Cardiff will be gunning for a win in front of their fans, but Wrexham have the quality and depth to give any opponent a run for their money.
