Not many expected Mick McCarthy to still be in charge for Cardiff’s trip to Fulham following their humiliating 3-0 loss at the hands of rivals Swansea City three days prior.
Indeed, even City CEO Ken Choo hinted ahead of the game that McCarthy appeared to be on his way out, but the Yorkshireman remains in charge for this visit of Boro.
McCarthy made mass changes for the Fulham match, including a change of formation, and the Bluebirds performed well for 45 minutes against promotion-chasing Fulham.
However, goals from Tom Cairney on his return from a long-term injury and Aleksandar Mitrovic – his 13th in 13 games this term – condemned Cardiff to yet another loss.
Rather worryingly, the Welsh side have scored just once across their seven game losing run – and even that was a consolation in a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.
A win against Boro may well keep McCarthy in the job for a bit longer, but many of those in attendance would no doubt much rather have opposite number Warnock in the home dugout.
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The veteran boss guided the Bluebirds to promotion in 2018 and is now looking to do likewise with Middlesbrough in his second season in charge at the Riverside Stadium.
The Smoggies made a pretty underwhelming start to the season, but three 2-0 wins in their last four matches have helped move them to within three points of the playoffs.
Those victories have each come at home, with their last two away games ending in defeat, but Cardiff have lost their last five home matches in all competitions
