A preview of Cardiff's Premier League season including 'player to watch' and position prediction.
Cardiff City The priority for any promoted club in their first season is consolidation, and of the three promoted clubs, Cardiff are best equipped to maintain their Premier League status. During the close season, they have broken their transfer record twice with the capture of Danish striker Andreas Cornelius for £7.5 million, followed by the arrival of England international, Steven Caulker from Spurs for more than £8 million. They are still in the market for a midfielder and have been credited with an interest in French international Etienne Capoue from Toulouse, having come close to signing Tom Ince from Blackpool. This kind of investment shows Cardiff are intent on staying at the top table having waited so long to get there and expect further signings before the transfer window slams shut. Steven Caulker is seen as a major coup for the Bluebirds, and with Tottenham's defensive concerns going into the season, many were surprised that AVB was willing to let him go. Caulker's impressive form last season saw him receive his first England cap against Sweden, a game which also saw him score his first international goal. Cardiff will be reliant upon Caulker's Premier League experience, and the player himself will be keen to impress ahead of a World Cup in the summer. John Brayford and Simon Moore have also joined the ranks from Derby and Brentford respectively, and while they will add more competition for places, as with many of the squad, the Premier League rollercoaster is a ride they have not had the pleasure of riding as yet. That is where Cardiff will look to the more experienced campaigners to help with the transition from Championship to Premier League and Craig Bellamy could be crucial to their chances, with his knowhow and endeavour. I expect Cardiff to be in a battle to stay up, but I think they have enough quality and financial backing to do just that. They will eagerly await the games versus Swansea in the Premier League's first ever 'all Welsh' derbies and in Malky Mackay, they have a young up and coming manager who will be looking forward to testing himself against the very best week in, week out. Player to watch - Steven Caulker Premier League Position - 17th