Aston Villa look a completely new side under Steve Bruce, who has injected a huge dose of morale and desire to push up the table.
Villa have put together a six-match unbeaten league run since Bruce took over at the Championship side on 12 October – beating the likes of Reading FC and picking up credible points against Brighton and local rivals Birmingham City.
It is the longest time without a league defeat since Martin O'Neill's final season in charge in 2009/10.
They face a Cardiff City side who have similarly improved dramatically due to a managerial appointment.
Although they still lie deep in trouble – sitting just ahead of the drop zone - they have picked up 10 points out of a possible 18 under the helm of Neil Warnock.
Villa has one of the strongest teams in the division and under Bruce’s guidance, I expect them to go on a late surge for the play-off place starting against Cardiff City this weekend.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies the Villa line-up that will smash Cardiff City..
GK – Pierluigi Gollini
The young Italian goalkeeper has grown in character since his move from Serie A to the West Midlands outfit.
He seems to get better and better every game, and the Villa supporters will be pleased that he is now cutting out silly mistakes that cost them points at the start of the term.
Villa dominated the majority of the game last Friday against Brighton and did not have much to do, but stayed alert when needed. He did well to stop Murphy’s shot late on in the game.
LB – Jordan Amavi
Finally, Amavi is being favoured ahead of Aly Cissokho, who has been abysmal in a Villa shirt.
The French left-back has not really had the opportunity to shine in Birmingham since his move last summer due to a long-term injury.
He had a tough first half against the talented Anthony Knockaert, but the left-back got better as the game progressed and made a crucial header late on in the game at the Amex.
CB – Nathan Baker
Well, Baker’s season-long loan with Bristol City last season was the best decision that the club has made.
The instrumental centre-back is showing no signs of shakiness and uncertainty at the back and his performances this year certainly justifies a starting place.
His height and physicality makes him extremely dangerous from set-pieces and he took his goal extremely well last weekend.
CB – James Chester
An excellent summer addition and his experience brings a calming influence among his fellow defenders.
He looks confident and is certainly a reliable member of the squad that Villa need if they are going to push for a top six place.
RB – Alan Hutton
Although Hutton was frustrating at times last weekend, he is expected to keep his place for this weekend’s clash with the Welsh side.
He offers excellent support when overlapping his winger, but his end-product needs to be a lot better if he is going to keep his place in the side.
CM – Mile Jedinak
We are now starting to see the best of Jedinak, who did not have the best of starts at Villa Park.
His sloppy play and giving away possession easily seems to be long-gone as he is starting to put in solid displays for Steve Bruce.
He showed no signs of tiredness as he won headers, made crucial interceptions and lead throughout.
CM – Ashley Westwood
Another player, who works his socks off for the club, but is too inconsistent.
He needs to rectify this if he wants to become a first-team regular.
He was dropped for the victory over Blackburn, and he needed to show Bruce what he was missing against the Seagulls last weekend.
He had an average game, but did look quicker off the mark than usual, and did what he does best – chase down out of possession and press his opponents.
CM – Gary Gardner
After describing his goal against fierce rivals Birmingham City as the greatest moment of his career, Villa fans would have hoped that would have sparked some hunger into the midfielder.
He is a solid option for Bruce, but similar to Westwood, he can too inconsistent.
He needs to get in the game more often and show desire to help his side when on the attack and defending for his side.
LAM – Albert Adomah
We are now starting to see what Adomah’s all about as he looks to have settled into life at Villa Park.
He was in and out of the Brighton game but dangerous when on the ball and provided a number of teasing deliveries and was denied by David Stockdale from close range.
Growing with confidence in every single game and I think in a few weeks that they will have an important player on their hands.
ST – Jonathan Kodjia
Well, the Ivory Coast international striker is proving why he is the most expensive player in the Championship.
Every time he gets on the ball, he looks dangerous and he makes defender feel on edge.
Last weekend, he always looked a threat and should have scored. He saw one header hit the crossbar and another tipped over from close range by David Stockdale.
I expect him to continue his lethal form against Cardiff City this weekend.
RAM – Jack Grealish
Grealish’s impact off the bench last weekend should see Agbonlahor dropped from the first-team.
He caused problems with creative passes, crosses and also had a few efforts of his own and will evidently cause a nuisance for Cardiff’s back-line.
Aston Villa fans... Will this starting XI comfortably beat Cardiff City? Are you off to the game on Saturday? What are your score predictions? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!