Match Preview | Cardiff City (A)

Forest Green Rovers are back at The New Lawn on Saturday as last season's League One runners-up Cardiff City visit Nailsworth.

We will debut our bold new away kit this weekend following its release on Wednesday morning.

This will be the fifth friendly of the summer for Robbie Savage's side, having already played Bishops Cleeve, Slimbridge, Merthyr Town and Bristol Rovers.

Ahead of Saturday's 3 pm kick-off in GL6, here is everything you need to know about Cardiff City.

The Opposition - Cardiff City

Nickname - The Bluebirds

Last season - 2nd, 91 points (Sky Bet League One)

Cardiff City are back in the Championship after one season away following relegation in 24/25.

The Bluebirds hit the ground running in the third tier and went on to secure automatic promotion comfortably, despite a slight dip in form towards the end of the campaign.

Youngsters Dylan Lawlor, Ronan Kpakio, Rubin Colwill and Joel Colwill all played a key part in the Bluebirds' immediate return to the Championship.

Cardiff ended last campaign as the highest scorers in League One, netting 90 goals.

The Bluebirds have had a quiet summer so far, with the only incoming being the permanent signing of goalkeeper Nathan Trott, who spent last campaign on loan.

The Manager - Brian Barry-Murphy

Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed Cardiff manager in June 2025 following the club's relegation to League One.

The Irishman joined from Leicester City after previously being involved in Ruud Van Nistelrooy's coaching team during the Foxes' Premier League campaign in 24/25.

Since moving to Cardiff, the 47-year-old has taken charge of 56 games, winning 33.

Barry-Murphy also had a spell in charge of Rochdale between 2019 and 2021, where he oversaw 105 matches.

The now Cardiff boss also spent time with Manchester City's academy helping develop the likes of Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis.

One to Watch - Robert Tankiewicz

Attack-minded midfielder Robert Tankiewicz scored twice in Cardiff's last friendly against Cork City.

The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with the Bluebirds this summer.

He's been at Cardiff since under-nine level and made his debut for the club last season in the Vertu Trophy.

Tankiewicz has also represented Wales at U19 level.

Having already featured in both of Cardiff's pre-season fixtures so far, he's certainly one to watch on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

20/07/21 - FGR 1-2 Cardiff (Matt 58’)

13/07/16 - FGR 3-1 Cardiff (Moore 36’, Tubbs 71’, Mehew 83’)

15/07/15 - FGR 1-1 Cardiff (O'Connor 73’)

24/07/13 - FGR 3-4 Cardiff (Norwood 44’, Wright 56’, Taylor 75’)

28/07/12 - FGR 1-0 Cardiff (Koroma 25’)