It’s been both a calling card and crutch; a source of their success but also the reason they have flirted with no longer being a Championship force. The bedrock on which Neil Warnock built Cardiff City on has been taken apart from Steve Morison this summer.
Morison has tried to move the Bluebirds away from the percentage play of Warnock-ball, attempting a more possession-focused and aesthetically-pleasing approach, albeit still trying to retain their reputation as a strong defensive outfit.
The Bluebirds have been the most active of any Championship club - signing 17 players, allowing 20 to depart - and seven of their starting XI against West Brom on Wednesday weren’t at the club last season.
They arrive at Ashton Gate with two wins, a draw and defeat and confidence high that they can put on a show in BS3 and continue to climb the table, albeit underlying concerns about their goalscoring having found the target just three times in their four matches.
Callum O’Dowda will, of course, be part of the travelling squad and likely team as the winger returns to the Robins and, as Morison said, has a point to prove in what is, as it always is, a fascinating Severnside derby contest.
To get the lowdown on the major changes afoot in south Wales, how they'll approach today's derby clash and the progress of O'Dowda, we spoke to Wales Online's Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams...
How would you assess O'Dowda's initial impact at Cardiff?
In a word, fantastic. In more than one word... he has been a pleasant surprise. We knew a number of clubs were after him, but there was a feeling of indifference, truthfully, when he signed. There was certainly no expectation he would hit the ground as he has. Cardiff have scored three goals and he has been directly involved in all of them (two assists and one goal). He even played as a makeshift wing-back after an early injury to Jamilu Collins at West Brom and was magnificent. Can't fault him.
How has Morison been playing him?
On the wing of a front three. He has been really attacking, driving at defenders and producing some seriously good wing play, both cutting in and providing dangerous crosses. He seems to have been given a lot of licence to go forward and damage the opposition and he's done just that.
What's stood out the most about his game?
Just how well he has used the ball. He has been so un-wasteful. Whenever the ball is pinged to him he uses his body so well to shield it before popping it off and trying to spin in behind the opposing wing-back. It's been the hallmark of his game so far, he has just been really accurate and incisive in everything he's done.
Do you think he'll start on Sunday?
I'd be gobsmacked if he doesn't. He's been Cardiff's best player this season so far (if WhoScored ratings are your thing) and is a real weapon. I suspect Steve Morison left him out of the starting XI against West Brom with an eye on this game coming up a few days after. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, he was on inside the first 10 minutes.
As a wider question about Cardiff, what's Morison changed about the team this year to when City last played them in January?
Um, everything, really. He's changed practically the entire playing squad, backroom staff, playing style and mentality. They are unrecognisable from the Cardiff I have covered over the last three years and it's a refreshing change. There are still teething problems, as there always are with such sizeable overhauls, but the path ahead looks promising.
What do you expect their approach to be at Ashton Gate?
It's been pretty consistent across the board. Cardiff have now implemented a passing/possession-based style which has surprised opposition so far this term. They build up slower from the back, are far less direct and are far less reliant on set pieces. It's nervy at times, playing like this, but so far it has been done well. In defence, they have been largely solid and look to win the ball back very quickly.
What's the overall mood among the fans about this game?
As positive as it has been in a long time, it must be said. But a derby win, after losing all four last season, will really push the needle towards that positive end of the spectrum. It's a big game for Bluebirds fans.
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