Three points today? - "My money is firmly on the Toon for this one"

By Neil Langer

As the Toon make the long trip to Cardiff, Neil Warnock’s recent comments on Newcastle being stronger this season than last has fuelled interest in the game. He's also made an attempt to side with a certain Mike Ashley, but his pre-game tactics won't wash with me.

He knows what he's doing and Rafa won't rise to it.

Most Newcastle supporters believe we didn’t invest in quality during the transfer window, particularly when looking at the investment made by our rivals.

Pundits across the sport are predicting a struggle for Cardiff this season and it looks like Warnock is trying to distract from his own clubs situation.

In Newcastle’s last 10 fixtures against Cardiff, the Toon have won nine and lost one, a remarkable statistic which should be extended today. We've got the better players and looked a decent side last Saturday, Benitez's tactical nous is far superior than that of Warnock's and, as last season showed, we tend to win these big games (with us needing a win here with three top four clubs to come after today).

There is no doubt though that Cardiff will look at this fixture with some expectation and despite Warnock’s comments they will see the Toon as one of this seasons easier fixtures.

Bookmakers are generally showing Cardiff at longer odds for the win at 5/2 with Toon 7/5.

My money is firmly on the Toon for this one.