Speaking to Cardiff City’s official website, Neil Warnock has been looking ahead to a massive week in the Sky Bet Championship for his side.  

Cardiff are in action three times over the next week, with Warnock’s side presented with an opportunity to make a major statement in the Championship’s promotion race.

The Bluebirds travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend to face Sunderland, before entertaining Leeds United, who currently top the Championship table, and Derby County during September’s run-in.

Warnock’s side have made an impressive start to the Championship season, and after eight fixtures they are third, level on 17 points with Leeds and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who sit first and second.

Looking ahead, Warnock said: “We’re enjoying the challenge. I know I am I know the lads are, and that’s why this week is going to be a massive week.

“I don’t think you get two bigger clubs than the two homes games and Sunderland have got a decent team so we've got a great three games ahead of us really."

Cardiff will be travelling to Sunderland well rested, having not featured in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Despite Warnock’s side sitting in a comfortable position in the Championship table, they are without a victory in their last three fixtures, having had draws with Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday either side of a crushing defeat to Preston North End.

Cardiff will be able to draw confidence from their most recent performance against Sheffield Wednesday, where a 95th minute goal from Sol Bamba rescued a point for Neil Warnock’s side.

The Verdict  

The coming week is huge for Cardiff, and despite Warnock playing things down a little bit, inside he will know the importance of picking up points over the course of the week.

The fixture against Leeds is the one that Warnock will be most wary of, with Thomas Christiansen's side particularly dangerous away from home.

Despite the difficulty of the three fixtures ahead of them, with two fixtures taking place in Cardiff, Warnock will be looking for at least six points.

Cardiff fans… Let us know your thoughts!