Our prediction for this FA Cup match:
After kicking off 2024 with a 3-1 win over ten-man Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on Cardiff City in the FA Cup round 3. The Owls are eyeing their third win in a row and they are surely capable of making life difficult for the Bluebirds at their Hillsborough. Bambo Diaby is banned for the match, while all Will Vaulks, Akin Famewo, Callum Paterson, John Buckley, and Dominic Iorfa are sidelined with injuries.
The South Wales outfit, on the other hand, aim to build on a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers. Cardiff City have big ambitions for the FA Cup as well, but given Sheffield Wednesday’s excellent performance in the triumph over Hull City, home win should be considered. Both Aaron Ramsey and Callum ODowda are out of contention through injuries for the away team.
Highlighted Player (Reece James):
![Reece James](https://footballpredictions.com/wp-content/plugins/fp-highlights/imageid/player/28059651.png)
Reece James is a talented Chelsea defender who plays for Wigan Athletic on loan. Born in Redbridge, England on December 8, 1999, James started his youth career at Chelsea football academy at the age of 6. The talented teenager played for England U18 and U19 teams and he currently represents the U20 team on the international stage.
Reece James scored 3 goals in 45 appearances for Wigan in the 2018/2019 Championship campaign, but that did not help the Latics avoid relegation to the League One. His numbers from the 2018/2019 season are impressive as he completed 91 successful tackles, 54 blocks, 44 successful dribbles and 93 clearances.
James, on the other hand, has yet to find the net for the England U20 national team. His main position is right back, but he is capable of playing as both centre-back and defensive midfielder as well. Reece James turned professional in March 2017.
Highlighted Team (Cardiff):
![Cardiff](https://footballpredictions.com/wp-content/plugins/fp-highlights/imageid/team/625.png)
Cardiff City are a Welsh football club that compete in the English second tier (Championship). In 2009 they moved from Ninian Park to Cardiff City Stadium, the venue that officially holds 33,280 spectators.
The Bluebirds played their first ever Premier League match on 18 August, 2013, but they were beaten by West Ham United (0-2) on their debut in the English top flight. However, a week later Fraizer Campbell (two goals) and Aron Gunnarson helped Cardiff City record their first ever win in the Premier League.
The Bluebirds outplayed Manchester City back then, but they eventually dropped to the Championship at the end of the season. Fellow Welsh outfit Swansea City are considered Cardiff’s fiercest rivals and the two teams take on each other in the South Wales derby.
The colour of Cardiff City’s home kit is blue, whilst they wear red shirts and shorts when playing on the travels.