View From The Town End: Cardiff City

Bluebirds fan Dan Lewis was kind enough to share his thoughts on Saturday's game. between Cardiff and Reading.

What have you made of Cardiff's season so far?

In one word: Bland. The fear for many heading into the new campaign was that the boring football on offer last season would continue into this one, which has very much been the case. Russell Slade has certainly made us tough to beat, underlined by four losses all term, but the style of play has resulted in many simply failing to turn up for home games.

In the pre-season you predicted mid-table mediocrity, have you seen anything to change that view?

I'm often well off the mark when it comes to pre-season predictions - Wigan to get promoted last season, for example - but finishing mid-table is on the agenda without question. The gap on the playoff places may still stand at just three points, yet a run of one win in six has left many simply wondering just how long it will be before further mediocrity sets in.

Any strong memories of games between the sides?

I've had many a happy trip to the Madejski, particularly at the time when we were knocking on the door for promotion season-upon-season. Been many bad memories, too, including the 3-0 second-leg play-off defeat (thanks Stephen Bywater) and last season's 2-1 win that actually made me fall asleep during the blandest second half you will ever witness.

Which Cardiff player should Reading fans be wary of on Saturday?

It may sound like I'm doing a complete disservice to my side, but it's genuinely tough to pick out any player. The easy option is to say David Marshall, who yet again is showing this season just why so many teams were interested in him the season we came down. Joe Mason started the season well up top before fading, while Matt Connolly has also been a colossus at the back.

Any Reading players you're not looking forward to facing?

My player of the season so far in the second tier has been Nick Blackman. He just always seems to be involved in attacking moves, scoring nine league goals for campaign already. I'm also a big fan of Chris Gunter and Hal Robson-Kanu for obvious reasons. A January move for the Welsh duo would certainly get supporters back on Slade's side!

Score prediction?

I'll go with a goalless draw. Reading are among the top-scoring sides in the Championship this season, but Cardiff have the ability to turn any game into a bland affair. Five games have now passed since one of our own players found the back of the net, with just one - an Alex Mowatt screamer in midweek - going in up the other end during that run.

Finally, any tips for Reading fans making their way down the M4 to the game?

Just don't expect goals and you won't be disappointed. Two sides struggling to find any real form over the past few weeks hardly sets up a thriller, but just maybe Slade has some sort of masterplan up his sleeve. Oh - and make the most of the many boozers in and around the Canton area of Cardiff... it'll help you through the 90 minutes.

Thanks again to Dan and you can follow him on Twitter @Daniel_Lewis92