Despite the significant summer outlay on new players, CardiffÔÇÖs squad is still one in transition. Some players who may not cut in the Premier League are playing on the merit of last seasonÔÇÖs promotion. Regular starters Ben Turner, Aron Gunnarsson and Jordon Mutch had never played at the top level, while recruits Gary Medel and Andreas Cornelius are entirely new to British football.
This inexperience has led to a mixed start to the campaign, as Cardiff are  hovering just above the relegation zone and struggling to assert their authority at home.
Fraizer CampbellÔÇÖs role as a lone front man has proved only sporadically successful, and Peter Odemwingie is struggling to produce his best form on the right wing. Perhaps moving the latter inside to form a 4-3-3 will see an improvement in attacking play.
However, playing three central midfielders has so far been hit and miss for Cardiff, whose tendency to utilise their ability on set pieces and play longer balls means that such a packed midfield leaves fewer options up front. Fans have been calling for Campbell to be supported by another attacker to help reduce the burden of being a lone striker.
Playing 4-4-2 would only benefit Cardiff right now they have a solid central midfield pairing in Medel and Gunnarsson, with the likes of Mutch, Peter Whittingham and Kim Bo-Kyung providing ample back-up. Manager Malky Mackay also has a number of striking options, with Nicky Maynard, Joe Mason and Rudy Gestede all possible partners for Campbell.
Mackay should use Craig Bellamy whenever heÔÇÖs fit. The passion, experience and┬á willingness to defend of the 73-cap former Wales international are invaluable assets in the Premier League.
Winning home games is imperative this season for MackayÔÇÖs men if they want to push on and establish themselves as a Premier League club, and a more positive style of play would help achieve this.
Joe Atkinson
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