Cardiff City Set To Unleash Burke On Aged Powell

Cardiff City winger Chris Burke is enjoying a fine season for the Bluebirds and the free transfer from Rangers has been a revelation on the right wing. His energetic displays, full of direct running and skilful touches have marked him as a real dangerman for Cardiff City and a potent creative outlet.

In Burke, we have a genuine winger with pace, trickery and a good cross. He has discovered a goalscoring threat and is into double figures for the season after his blistering volley in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. He is already a hot tip for player-of-the-year with consistently impressive displays making him an automatic pick in the Bluebirds midfield.

While Burke undoubtedly causes problems for all left-backs at this level, he will be particularly looking forward to tonight`s clash against Leicester with the Foxes finding that particular position a genuine problem at present. Bruno Berner looks certain to miss out with a groin problem, while Northern Ireland International Ryan McGivern is also a doubt after missing Leicester`s last game.

Should both players miss out as expected, Leicester will turn to the veteran campaigner Chris Powell. The former Southend and Charlton Athletic legend has been around seemingly forever and at the ripe old age of 39 signed for the Foxes as a player/coach, now 40 - Powell is a real rarity in the Championship as an outfield player.

Although vastly experienced, Powell is desperately short on pace. Additionally, Powell played 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat at Derby County just 3 days ago - a big ask for any player over 32. Numerous players have been unable to prevent Burke making a mockery of them, and have sometimes relied on pace and/or covering team-mates to get them out of trouble. The added magic to Burke`s threat is that he is equally happy and adept to both go outside his man or cut inside - both methods causing serious problems for Championship defenders.

Burke and Chopra`s pace could prove decisive at the CCS tonight and that position is one that the Bluebirds will look to exploit. If we can get good quality, on-the-deck possession to Burke, he will surely get some joy and create chances.

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