Could this be Cardiff’s year to make it to the top flight?

Welsh side Cardiff City are currently joint top of the Championship having started the season in fantastic form.

The Bluebirds are six point’s clear of fellow Welsh side Swansea City, who are third in the league.

Hurt

Last season the club experienced heartbreak in the Championship playoff final, as underdogs Blackpool beat them 3-2 at Wembley.

The last few seasons the Welsh side have came close to promotion to the Premier League. They always seem to slip up at the last minute and lose their nerve.

Important

This season they seem intent on finally gaining promotion to the English top flight. This weekend they face a test of their resolve as they face in-form fourth place Norwich City. This clash could prove pivotal in Cardiff’s season.

Norwich are on a crest of a wave after making a good solid start on their return to the Championship from League One and won’t be easy to beat.

Manager

I have always rated Cardiff boss Dave Jones. He is the sort of guy who tells it how it is. After controversy earlier in his career he has had a solid managerial career. I think he deserves his chance at the top level for helping City become one of the best sides in the Championship.

Quality

Cardiff have a very talented squad. The front five of Peter Whittingham, Chris Burke, Craig Bellamy, Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd are as good as any sides front five in the division. Striker Bothroyd is having the best season of his career so far scoring 11 goals in 13 Championship games so far.

Chopra has always scored goals at Championship level and I don’t think this season will be any different. He has had a slow start due to an injury earlier in the season but I expect him to get twenty odd goals again this campaign.

Midfielder Whittingham was in superb goal scoring last season and this season has been in good form setting up his teammates for numerous goals. I’m sure he will chip in with more goals this season.

Bellamy

Craig Bellamy is without doubt one of the signings of the season. To sign the Welsh international on-loan was a real coup. I never thought they would be able to pull it off but they did.

He could have moved to another Premier League or moved to a big club abroad but he decided to join his home city club. He is far too good to play his football in the Championship. The reasons for him joining the Bluebirds were personal rather than footballing. The move has suited everybody.

Bellamy is playing regularly and is close to his family, Cardiff get a top player without paying a fortune out in transfer fee or wages. His parent club Manchester City also benefit by Bellamy being in the shop window for prospective buyers. Everyone’s a winner.

Finances

Cardiff City are struggling financially but are hoping to sort their troubles out in the coming months. If they don’t manage to do that then a promotion to the Premier League in May would solve all Cardiff’s financial problems.

Promotion

If Cardiff City does achieve promotion to the top flight they will be the first team from outside of England to play in the Premier League. On current form I certainly wouldn’t bet against them.

Will Cardiff be promoted to the Premier League?