Cardiff City and Preston North End have each embarked upon solid if unspectacular starts to the current campaign, though both have found themselves lacking a distinct goal threat.
While few will contest the sentiment that Steve Morison is successfully incorporating a more progressive, possession-based philosophy on the playing squad, they have merely found the back of the net three times so far.
Indeed, it is the joint-second lowest record in the division, with only Ryan Lowe’s men having scored less goals, courtesy of a solitary Brad Potts strike against Luton Town coinciding with four stalemates.
However, a sense of defensive solidity is shared; Preston are yet to concede a single goal in the league, whereas Cardiff have only conceded three, keeping the same number of clean sheets in the process.
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Team news
Cardiff
Cardiff have not rode a wave of luck in regards to the left-back berth, with new signing Jamilu Collins sustaining a season-ending ACL setback before his replacement, Joel Bagan, was hauled off just minutes into Sunday’s defeat at Bristol City due to a head injury.
It is believed that the 20-year-old should be back in contention soon, although protocols for head injuries will restrict him from facing off against the Lilywhites.
Isaak Davies and Ebou Adams are also sidelined with long-term injuries.
Preston
Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez is back on the grass and may well feature in Preston’s matchday squad, while Andrew Hughes will be assessed ahead of the clash.
Sean Maguire and Bambo Diaby have returned to training, too, though neither will be able to travel to south Wales this weekend.
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Likely lineups
Cardiff (4-2-3-1)
Allsop; Romeo, Kipre, Ng, Simpson; Wintle, Rinomhota; Philogene, Sawyers, O’Dowda; Watters
Preston (3-1-4-2)
Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Bauer; Potts; Ledson, Whiteman, Browne, Brady; Parrott, Jakobsen
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Key players
Jaden Philogene
Arriving on loan from Aston Villa as part of Morison’s summer squad-bolstering spree, winger Philogene has, by and large, given a decent account of himself thus far.
Possessing frightening speed and trickery coupled with an awe-inducing ability in one-on-one situations, the skilful youngster bagged his side’s most recent goal, scoring the winner in Cardiff’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham City.
His outstanding performance during City’s 3-0 EFL Cup capitulation at home to Portsmouth turned heads too, and provided enough evidence to many supporters that the England youth International is deserving of a regular place in the side.
Robbie Brady
Preston are also blessed with a wizard out wide in the form of experienced midfielder Brady, who has been a real revelation following his move to Lancashire.
Capable of impacting proceedings at both ends of the pitch, Brady has already created 14 chances- the second highest in the league- while also winning 67% of his 10 tackles made.
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Match details
Where is the match being played?
The fixture is being played at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff’s home ground.
What time is kick-off?
The match is scheduled to commence at 15:00 (BST) on Saturday August 27.
How can I watch?
Due to British broadcasting policies, the game will not be streamed in the UK, although overseas viewers can watch the game via an International pass, which can be purchased from either club site.
Alternatively, audio passes have been made available.