THE Bluebirds have not started the campaign with the same success they enjoyed last season, when they sat at the top of the Championship until the end of November.
After a disappointing run of form left them in 13th place at the close of the 2006/2007 campaign, they have picked up where they left off and are currently languishing in 15th position.
It was Dave Jones who managed to persuade a plethora of striking talent to move to Wales during the summer as he signed not only the impressive Steve MacLean from Sheffield Wednesday, but also the highly experienced Dutchman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Most remarkable however was his ability to persuade Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler to drop down a division. Alongside the big Scot Steven Thompson, Jones has an impressive number of options at his disposal.
Cardiff also boast a number of highly talented youngsters in left back Chris Gunter and winger Joe Ledley, both of which have already represented the senior Wales side, and who are both attracting attention from Premiership clubs. However, the duo will be needed to continue City's revival.
INJURY NEWS
The experienced Fowler is a doubt with a sprained ankle - meanwhile Thompson misses out through suspension. Defender Riccardo Scimeca has started training again but lacks match practice while wing man Trevor Sinclair misses out again.
TOP SCORER
Ex-Kop legend Fowler tops the charts so far with six goals.
LAST LEAGUE GAME
It was at the weekend when the Bluebirds overcame Bryan Robson's Sheffield United with a goal from Paul Parry to gift the Welsh side all three points.
HEAD TO HEAD
Watford have the narrowest of leads in the Head to Head record between these two sides. In the 42 League and Cup meetings between the pair, the Golden Boys have been the victors 17 times to Cardiff's 16, with the remaining nine games ending all square.
LAST MEETING
At Ninian Park, under a torrential downpour, the 'Orns produced a solid display to beat a resolute Cardiff side. Like the Southampton win three days earlier it was Darius Henderson who was the hero as he helped himself to another brace.
A slow start was brought to life as an Adam Johnson set piece was whipped into the Bluebirds' box causing chaos as the ball bobbled this way and that before Gavin Mahon poked his shot against the post. The rebound crawled along the line but Henderson reacted quickest, throwing his entire frame to knock it in.
Despite a Hasselbaink wonder goal, Henderson outshone his more illustrious opposition as he beat the attempted offside trap to sweetly half-volley the winner.
HORNETSBET
Home win- 8/11
Draw - 5/2
Away win - 4/1
Scorecast - Nathan Ellington to score first and Watford to win 2-1 - 35/1.
KEY PLAYER
Despite boasting the talents of Fowler and Hasselbaink, Cardiff's provider of their forwards' ammunition is wing wonder Joe Ledley. The 20-year-old was an ever-present last season and has continued to impress so far this campaign.
A hard working left midfielder, the Welsh international has pace and a sweet left foot, one that he uses with great effect to swing over quick, accurate crosses and set pieces for his experienced strikers to get on the end of. He can also nick a goal or two, as demonstrated by his three strikes so far.
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