Cardiff City vs Sheffield United

S24SU · OFFICIAL MATCHDAY EDITION · 2026/27 · No.5

28th August 2026 - Kick-off 15:00
Cardiff City v. Sheffield United
EFL Championship Week 3 - Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

EFL Championship Week 3 – Saturday 28th August 2026, 15:00 – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
Please keep all discussion related to the match within this thread.

Match Info

Competition: EFL Championship Week 3

Kick-off: Saturday 28th August 2026, 15:00

Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

Player Ratings: CLICK HERE (will open shortly after full time)

Officials

Referee: John Busby

Assistants: Bhups Singh Gill and Matt Joyce

Fourth Official: Steve Parkinson

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Keep it on-topic and within the rules – see the forum rules if unsure.

 

[MartBlade]

I’m also not calling for his head (despite what a handful of the hard of thinking seem to think). Now is absolutely not the right time for that. But criticism is certainly allowed and can be justified (again, despite what a handful of the hard of thinking seem to think). Let’s not forget that despite the loss of parachute payments we still have one of the higher budgets in the division, so I am amazed that people thrash around to make excuses to the extent that some do for the sort of mediocrity we witnessed today.

Nick … people aren’t looking for excuses … they just have a different view or perspective than you…. that doesn’t make them “hard of thinking”. We’re all Blades, we all want the best for the club … and unsurprisingly there are many different views on how we achieve it. You don’t need to chuck abuse about to make your point… and there’s a lot of truth to what you say about today’s performance. Listening to Wilder, I think he’d agree with some of it privately.
A lot of us just put things in a different context… but we’ll all be right behind the team for every game together … maybe that makes us all a bit hard of thinking !

 

[Nick Jansky]

Nick … people aren’t looking for excuses … they just have a different view or perspective than you…. that doesn’t make them “hard of thinking”. We’re all Blades, we all want the best for the club … and unsurprisingly there are many different views on how we achieve it. You don’t need to chuck abuse about to make your point… and there’s a lot of truth to what you say about today’s performance. Listening to Wilder, I think he’d agree with some of it privately.
A lot of us just put things in a different context… but we’ll all be right behind the team for every game together … maybe that makes us all a bit hard of thinking !

You perhaps need to reread my post and look at exactly what I described as being “hard of thinking”. Which I absolutely stand by.

 

[MartBlade]

You perhaps need to reread my post and look at exactly what I described as being “hard of thinking”. Which I absolutely stand by.

ok … perhaps I’m still swayed by your earlier accusation of me having no self-respect
I completely get the frustration that you and others express … maybe just do it without chucking in stuff like that about fellow fans. We all suffer enough following this team … and as I said before, I think we all want the same thing.
You rightly make the point that it isn’t the time to part ways with Wilder .. which is spot on.
Let’s hope he/Bettis can pull some rabbits out before the end of the window… to give us some better attacking options.

 

[ComedyClub]

Thoughtful response Nick
Read back many of the comments and you’ll see exactly what I mean. There’s an absolute desperation to pile in on Wilder.
Obviously it’s a thoroughly poor performance… but it’s a point at a tough venue and it’s early in the season.

He makes it so so easy with the poor set up and baffling tactics though.

A “tough venue”? These are relegation fodder, of which had nearly 24 shots against us compared to our 6. They’ve had over 60% possession. I think sugarcoating is the exact thing you’re doing, just accept those statistics are purely down to how we’ve been set up. Laughable.

 

[MartBlade]

He makes it so so easy with the poor set up and baffling tactics though.

A “tough venue”? These are relegation fodder, of which had nearly 24 shots against us compared to our 6. They’ve had over 60% possession. I think sugarcoating is the exact thing you’re doing, just accept those statistics are purely down to how we’ve been set up. Laughable.

INobody can claim it was a good performance. Putting context round things is not “sugar-coating”. I’m as desperate to see us play well and progress as anybody. I just think it’s important to bear in mind the overall position of the club. Wilder will be enormously frustrated by how difficult the owners have made recruitment. He’s lost attacking options in Chong, One and now Seriki. Bamford is struggling, Campbell likewise. Cannon is still immensely frustrating and BBD is only just back with us. Arblaster was missing too.
There’s a lot going on that’s not helping so I can forgive him going defensive.
Hopefully you can see that’s not sugar-coating … the performance was very poor .. but we got a point, we’re still unbeaten and it’s early days.
Just my view.

 

[ComedyClub]

INobody can claim it was a good performance. Putting context round things is not “sugar-coating”. I’m as desperate to see us play well and progress as anybody. I just think it’s important to bear in mind the overall position of the club. Wilder will be enormously frustrated by how difficult the owners have made recruitment. He’s lost attacking options in Chong, One and now Seriki. Bamford is struggling, Campbell likewise. Cannon is still immensely frustrating and BBD is only just back with us. Arblaster was missing too.
There’s a lot going on that’s not helping so I can forgive him going defensive.
Hopefully you can see that’s not sugar-coating … the performance was very poor .. but we got a point, we’re still unbeaten and it’s early days.
Just my view.

Fully agree regards the comments regards its the position of the club. HOWEVER…

With what little money we have, he’s opted to sign mostly defensive players, several midfielders, sold two of our attacking options, replaced them with one attacking midfielder, one defensive minded player, all the rumours are regarding defensive players, no sign of any attacking player (of which we’re lacking, it’s evident, I can see it, you can see it, Stevie Wonder can see it). We need attacking minded players. Chong isn’t even an option, he’s laughably bad. I don’t buy the “I can forgive him going defensive” it’s the same tactics (if that’s what to call it?) that we’ve seen for the past two years.

We’re laughably bad, and the tactics/coaching aren’t helping things going forwards in attack. Those statistics from today are appalling, genuinely appalling.

 

[MartBlade]

Fully agree regards the comments regards its the position of the club. HOWEVER…

With what little money we have, he’s opted to sign mostly defensive players, several midfielders, sold two of our attacking options, replaced them with one attacking midfielder, one defensive minded player, all the rumours are regarding defensive players, no sign of any attacking player (of which we’re lacking, it’s evident, I can see it, you can see it, Stevie Wonder can see it). We need attacking minded players. Chong isn’t even an option, he’s laughably bad. I don’t buy the “I can forgive him going defensive” it’s the same tactics (if that’s what to call it?) that we’ve seen for the past two years.

We’re laughably bad, and the tactics/coaching aren’t helping things going forwards in attack. Those statistics from today are appalling, genuinely appalling.

Your view is set … I get it. I agree with some of what you say but I’m pretty certain that Wilder didn’t want to see either Brooks or Hamer go. I’m even more certain that he didn’t want to not see any of that money and for the owners to make us a highly dubious destination for any player / agent who is paying attention.
I know he likes attacking football as much as most because his teams have given me some fantastic stuff to watch over the years … and I can compare to Blades teams right back to the seventies.
He knows what we’re lacking … he discusses it in interviews and press conferences every week … but it’s not in his power to just make those players appear.
If you’ve got a long list of players who are free or available on a cheap loan, would instantly improve our attacking threat … and that don’t have other options in the Championship without the threat of points deductions… then I’m sure he’d be all ears.
My point is just that we are restricted by injuries and lack of incomings so his approach is somewhat understandable.

 

[Greenwich Blade]

Good grief. Give it a rest.

He is; he's not going on Tuesday.

 

[blades_95]

This reminds me of the start of the last Prem season, where the performances, possession and underlying numbers were shocking but the actual results and score lines weren’t that bad.

In both cases we’re divided into two camps. One side saying at least we’re keeping things tight, it’s a base to build on, and if we can improve offensively a bit (how?) we’ll grind out some wins.

The other side were saying, we’ve been getting lucky and ultimately with performances/style this bad and no ability to keep possession, you can’t build a platform and the results are going to catch up with performances and we’ll get battered.

I hope the first camp is right this season but I think there’s a chance the pessimistic case comes true and we’re in a real relegation fight. We haven’t really played any of the decent teams yet and once we do I fear they could put us in a real spiral.

My theory with Wilder is that someting happened with coaching in the last decade, where young coaches have moved on a level and he just hasn’t adapted and been left behind.

I don’t know exactly what but he just doesn’t seem to be able to set up a side to compete against any well-coached opponent with similar resources to him. Whenever he plays anyone decent, he doesn’t just get outplayed but we get these 20-30% possession games where it’s like a different sport. His teams can’t hold possession or play through a press at all, even when they’ve proven good footballers elsewhere.

This was the case against Burnley and Leeds in the 92 point season (the only teams with similar resources) and then against the entire top 6 last season. The number of well coached teams keeps increasing and our financial advantage has gone. Feels like it’s only going one way

There’s just something he’s missing in the coaching and his reaction seems to be to retreat from ‘tactics’ completely into passion, character etc. I also think there’s something where he doesn’t know how to coach modern pressing systems so his teams waste energy pressing ineffectively and that makes our fitness problems look worse

One of the best posts I’ve read on here, spot on.

Even if we start a game okay, it only takes some of these coaching teams 20 minutes to figure us out and then the next 70 minutes is like watching a totally different game.

Particularly at home I genuinely think teams give us far too much respect & allow us to have the ball too easily. When they realise we’re not actually that good & can’t cope under a slight bit of pressure, the game turns completely.

 

[andy m]

Fully agree regards the comments regards its the position of the club. HOWEVER…

With what little money we have, he’s opted to sign mostly defensive players, several midfielders, sold two of our attacking options, replaced them with one attacking midfielder, one defensive minded player, all the rumours are regarding defensive players, no sign of any attacking player (of which we’re lacking, it’s evident, I can see it, you can see it, Stevie Wonder can see it). We need attacking minded players. Chong isn’t even an option, he’s laughably bad. I don’t buy the “I can forgive him going defensive” it’s the same tactics (if that’s what to call it?) that we’ve seen for the past two years.

We’re laughably bad, and the tactics/coaching aren’t helping things going forwards in attack. Those statistics from today are appalling, genuinely appalling.

Not sure he decided to sell our attacking players and be given no money to replace them Dane.

 

[Tom Bott]

A “tough venue”? These are relegation fodder, of which had nearly 24 shots against us compared to our 6. They’ve had over 60% possession. I think sugarcoating is the exact thing you’re doing, just accept those statistics are purely down to how we’ve been set up. Laughable.

Precisely the same as said by our neighbours about us in our first season back in the championship, when we went to their place and whooped them 2-4.

Assuming that newly promoted and teams below us should be easy victories often proves wrong.

 

[Belvedere Blade]

 

[Belvedere Blade]

 

[Nick Jansky]

ok … perhaps I’m still swayed by your earlier accusation of me having no self-respect
I completely get the frustration that you and others express … maybe just do it without chucking in stuff like that about fellow fans. We all suffer enough following this team … and as I said before, I think we all want the same thing.
You rightly make the point that it isn’t the time to part ways with Wilder .. which is spot on.
Let’s hope he/Bettis can pull some rabbits out before the end of the window… to give us some better attacking options.

Our exchange began when you made the comment that many Blades fans would be disappointed that we didn’t get beaten. So I could say that there’s no need to be chucking in stuff like that about fellow fans.

And, again, maybe reread my post - I didn’t accuse you personally of lacking self respect.

I will say that I appreciate that you do attempt to engage in reasoned debate, unlike some others. And I should know by now that Saturday evenings after a shitshow of a performance and with emotions running high are not the best times to be engaging. Apologies if you took personal offence - my comments were aimed at the sentiment, not the individual. Enjoy your Sunday.

 

[GeorgeDonis1889]

Our exchange began when you made the comment that many Blades fans would be disappointed that we didn’t get beaten. So I could say that there’s no need to be chucking in stuff like that about fellow fans.

Depends on the definition of Blade. Several on here I'm pretty sure are technically blades who would rather us lose with Wilder. You can see how much more energy they have when we lose. They cant wait to post after a bad result. Barely a peep when we win. Sad but undoubtedly true.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Depends on the definition of Blade. Several on here I'm pretty sure are technically blades who would rather us lose with Wilder. You can see how much more energy they have when we lose. They cant wait to post after a bad result. Barely a peep when we win. Sad but undoubtedly true.

There are also several on here who apparently couldn’t ever countenance anyone but Wilder no matter what. In those cases it is also legitimate to ponder the definition of Blade. Sad, but undoubtedly true. But the club should be far, far more important than any individual.

Obviously, the majority sit somewhere in the middle. I’ve been very clear about where I am. Current circumstances dictate that he needs to stay as a safeish pair of hands, but I don’t seem him as being capable of taking this club forward when the time comes when it can begin to emerge from its current managed decline.

I will hope to be surprised by a reasoned response.

 

[Working Class Hero]

I did my fair share of moaning yesterday, but a few positives from yesterday:

• We didn't lose
• We manager to score 2
• We looked good for 10 minutes
• We were OK for the last 20 mins or so when we had something that resembles a midfield. We won the ball back plenty of times and kept it for more than 0.5 seconds (Peck also had a good chance to win it, we didn't even go down as a shot). Hopefully Wilder learnt from that.

 

[GeorgeDonis1889]

There are also several on here who apparently couldn’t ever countenance anyone but Wilder no matter what

I genuinely don't think there is 1 person like that. I think you're mistaking defending him against the way over the top stuff as he thinking can do no wrong. There are posters who would rather us lose because they don't like Wilder though for sure

 

[Nick Jansky]

I genuinely don't think there is 1 person like that. I think you're mistaking defending him against the way over the top stuff as he thinking can do no wrong. There are posters who would rather us lose because they don't like Wilder though for sure

We will need to agree to disagree, on both points.

 

[MartBlade]

Our exchange began when you made the comment that many Blades fans would be disappointed that we didn’t get beaten. So I could say that there’s no need to be chucking in stuff like that about fellow fans.

And, again, maybe reread my post - I didn’t accuse you personally of lacking self respect.

I will say that I appreciate that you do attempt to engage in reasoned debate, unlike some others. And I should know by now that Saturday evenings after a shitshow of a performance and with emotions running high are not the best times to be engaging. Apologies if you took personal offence - my comments were aimed at the sentiment, not the individual. Enjoy your Sunday.

Thanks Nick… as you Say Saturday nights are never good times for reasoned debate
Let’s hope we’re both much happier by the end of the week.

 

[1066blade]

Supporting the Blades is quite an emotional journey. Admittedly, it's demanding regarding on field short comings. However, the joy it brings when we 'deliver', (eg.
2-4 bouncing stop performance). We're in this together pals, twas never gonna be easy. I'm in my 6th decade supporting this 'lot', stay strong Bladesmen (and lassies).

 

[Shawy24]

Supporting the Blades is quite an emotional journey. Admittedly, it's demanding regarding on field short comings. However, the joy it brings when we 'deliver', (eg.
2-4 bouncing stop performance). We're in this together pals, twas never gonna be easy. I'm in my 6th decade supporting this 'lot', stay strong Bladesmen (and lassies).

Aaaaaaagggghh! Nooooo. Me too and it’s starting to hurt now.