Recently relegated Cardiff City open their League One campaign with a visit from EFL Trophy winners, Peterborough United. The bluebirds are one of the favourites tipped for promotion, with odds of 5/2 for the Welsh side to seek an immediate return to the Championship.
In terms of arrivals this summer, Cardiff City are yet to make any summer signings, given their financial predicament; however, the Bluebirds have managed to retain some key quality within their squad as Brian Barry-Murphy ventures into senior management. Calum Chambers is bound to be one of the standout defenders in this league, given his Premier League experience with Arsenal. Meanwhile, Callum Robinson can undoubtedly provide a goalscoring outlet, having scored 12 goals in 24 starts for Cardiff City last season.
Brian Barry-Murphy's side came away unscathed from pre-season, having won two of their five matches, drawing three. The Bluebirds have been ruthless in front of goal by scoring first in four of their last five matches, which doesn't bode well for a Peterborough United side who have failed to keep a clean sheet in three matches.
As for the Posh, it's been another summer of departures for the side from East Anglia. Kwame Poku, Hector Kypriannou and Ricky-Jade Jones all found the exit door at the expiry of their contracts last summer, with now a void of quality left in a squad that struggled at points last season. Peterborough United's campaign last time out was a disappointing one despite the trophy success at Wembley, as Darren Ferguson's side finished only five points clear of the relegation zone.
The Posh are expected to finish in a similar league position (18th) as last year's campaign, but the general consensus in the Posh fanbase is that this season could be another season of struggle for the side. Peterborough United endured a gruelling pre-season schedule, with multiple friendlies played behind closed doors. Still, the Posh are heading into this game following a defeat against Grimsby Town and a draw against Colchester United.
Cardiff City are firm favourites for this opening clash, and with uncertainty around the Posh coming into this game, we are going for a win for the Bluebirds. Peterborough United are always a threat with their pace in the wide areas, so we can see them hurting Cardiff City but only momentarily.
We are predicting a 3-2 win for the Bluebirds, given both teams have scored in six of the last seven meetings between the two sides.
Cardiff City 3-2 Peterborough United
