Cardiff City Lack Conviction & Need Goals Now!

Cardiff City host Coventry City tonight looking to turn around a recent run of poor form for which a barren run in front of goal has been a key factor. As ever, a team not scoring goals will suffer a lack of confidence and put themselves under pressure and that`s what we`ve seen from City over the past few weeks. We look short of ideas, unbalanced in midfield and a shadow of the side that started the season so brightly.

In terms of home games, we have now failed to find the net in the last three games - a desperately disappointing statistic and completely unsustainable for any side hoping to challenge. Kenny Miller`s lack of goals is a worry, but so too the likes of Don Cowie and Aron Gunnarsson who both found the net regularly earlier in the campaign. Cowie has 6, the last coming in October while 'Gunnar` has 5 - his most recent on 2nd January.

Craig Conway and Robert Earnshaw offer potent goal threats, but neither is currently in favour with Mackay. That has put pressure on Miller, and with Gestede injured and Mason forced to play in a floating midfield role - opponents are finding it all too easy to shut us out. The lack of pace, and willingness to carry the ball is hurting City and it`s all too evident that teams will sit back but close down Miller or Whittingham immediately to stifle our current attacking threat.

There`s no quick fix, but City must find more intent. It`s not enough to pass and move, and the critical thing missing is conviction. Too many are content to get rid without making a mistake, and pass even though not contributing to creating an opening. Wingers are often key to this, but City are currently operating without widemen, though the ability to commit a defender and pull others across to cover would be a major benefit for Miller and especially Mason.

Cardiff City have found goals relatively easy to come by this season, and these are the same group of players. There`s no doubt we have been somewhat 'found out` and teams know how to defend against us, but you do sense that just getting a couple would provide a major boost and a platform to return to our best. Tonight`s game against struggling Coventry City provides a perfect opportunity - and one we simply must not waste.

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