Cardiff City and Newcastle United kick off the weekend’s Premier League action in South Wales in what promises to be a hard-fought clash with both sides vying for their first wins of the campaign.
The hosts were welcomed back to the big time with a reasonably favourable trip to AFC Bournemouth but fell to a toothless 2-0 defeat with what a collection of supporters called the “weakest line-up in Premier League history.”
Newcastle made a more promising start to the 2018-19 season despite also suffering defeat, as they were edged 2-1 at St. James’ Park by a strong Tottenham Hotspur side.
Neil Warnock’s options should be boosted this weekend, with Kenneth Zohore available to join Bobby Reid up front and Bournemouth loanee Harry Arter in line to make his debut in midfield.
A selection headache will trouble Rafael Benitez at the Cardiff City Stadium. Spanish frontman Joselu netted the equaliser against Spurs last time out but Salomon Rondon’s physicality may be enough to earn him a starting place.
It promises to be a close battle on the pitch between the two teams, but what about individually? Here are the key battles to look out for:
