**Cardiff City Prepare for New Era: Analysing the Likely Starting XI Under Brian Barry-Murphy**
With just days remaining until Cardiff City embark on their first League One campaign in over two decades, anticipation is building around the club’s new chapter under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy. The Bluebirds are set to open their season against Peterborough United at home on Saturday, 2 August, amid high hopes for an immediate return to the Championship.
Despite a summer transfer window that has so far provided little in terms of new arrivals, the club’s strategy appears focused on maintaining the core of its squad, trimming excess numbers, and giving youth a greater chance to shine. Club management has publicly expressed excitement regarding a promising group of academy graduates, though it is widely acknowledged that more experienced reinforcements—especially in defence—would be beneficial.
Throughout pre-season, Cardiff fans have seen their team go unbeaten in friendlies against opponents ranging from Newport County to QPR, offering plenty of glimpses into Barry-Murphy’s tactical preferences and likely favoured line-up. With one final pre-season fixture to play, many supporters and pundits have begun to speculate about the strongest starting XI currently available to the new boss.
**Goalkeeper and Defence Decisions**
Ethan Horvath remains first choice in goal, though speculation about his desire to move—reportedly linked to maintaining his place in the USA squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup—has lingered. While American international Matt Turner has impressed in limited appearances, the ball-playing attributes of Jak Alnwick, sidelined through injury until recently, might ultimately suit Barry-Murphy’s style in the long run. As things stand, however, it is Horvath’s jersey to lose, as injury and uncertainty swirl around his competitors.
On the right side of defence, Cardiff are currently deprived of the reliable Perry Ng, who is recovering from a knee injury. This creates an opening for 18-year-old Ronan Kpakio, who has caught the eye during pre-season after being involved in Wales’ senior squad. His pace and technical ability are clear strengths, although his defensive positioning will require further honing. Will Spiers is also in contention, but Kpakio likely has the inside track for the opener.
At centre-back, consistency and leadership are key concerns after the departure of Dimitrios Goutas. Dylan Lawlor, emerging as a pre-season revelation, seems set to partner with the experienced Calum Chambers, forming a blend of youthful exuberance and steady presence. Lawlor brings confidence on the ball and composure beyond his years, while Chambers returns to his natural position after a spell in midfield. Will Fish and Jesper Daland provide depth, though the latter may be concerned about limited opportunities.
Joel Bagan, the club’s longest-serving current player, is expected to hold down the left-back berth after Callum O’Dowda moved to Hungary following contract expiry. Bagan’s tidy distribution and reliability have been notable during pre-season, positioning him as the clear choice ahead of prospect Luey Giles for the opening matches.
**Midfield Competition Intensifies**
In midfield, competition remains fierce. The No.6 role appears to be between returning loanees Ryan Wintle and Eli King, both of whom have impressed the new head coach. Wintle, recently re-signed, offers leadership and dynamism, and appears set to anchor the midfield. Ahead of him, Alex Robertson and Rubin Colwill have been the standout players, with the latter showing a transformed attitude and increased work rate this summer. Robertson’s ability to link midfield and attack is expected to be essential as Barry-Murphy seeks to establish a more fluid playing style.
The presence of young talents such as David Turnbull and Joel Colwill provides healthy competition for places, and should ensure that the battle for starting spots in the centre of the park remains fierce as the season progresses.
**Front Three Taking Shape**
Up front, Cardiff’s prospects for promotion will hinge on goal contributions. The expectation is that Yousef Salech and Callum Robinson—arguably the side’s most natural finishers—will both feature prominently if fit. Finding the most effective player to complement them on the right remains a dilemma for Barry-Murphy, with Cian Ashford, Ollie Tanner, Isaak Davies, and Chris Willock all vying for the role. Davies, with his proven scoring touch during his Belgian loan spell, appears slightly ahead in the pecking order as things stand.
Ashford’s early-year form, Tanner’s left-footed unpredictability, and Willock’s experience mean that there are options in abundance, offering tactical flexibility throughout a long campaign.
**Room for Improvement Remains**
Despite an unblemished pre-season thus far, areas for improvement are clear. Defensive depth is a particular concern given the loss of senior figures and ongoing injury troubles. Recruitment before the season begins cannot be ruled out, with full-back and centre-back positions still in need of reinforcement.
Nevertheless, the blend of retained talent and emerging prospects has given supporters cause for cautious optimism. Barry-Murphy appears to be crafting a side that can combine youthful energy with enough experience to challenge for immediate promotion.
**Projected Cardiff City Starting XI:**
Horvath; Kpakio, Lawlor, Chambers, Bagan; Wintle, Robertson, R. Colwill; Davies, Salech, Robinson.
As excitement ramps up in South Wales, attention will soon turn from pre-season promise to the realities of a gruelling league campaign. The degree to which Cardiff can maintain recent momentum and cope with new challenges may well determine whether this new era begins with promotion celebrations or a more sobering appraisal of the club’s rebuild.