Bristol City v Cardiff City

I'm off to Ashton Gate for the first time this season tomorrow for this early kick off (13:00) and it looks as though both managers have had a busy time of it.

City boss Derek McInnes starts his first full season (assuming he's allowed it through of course!) and he's made some mouth watering additions to the squad.

Earlier in the week he managed to persuade highly rated striker Sam Baldock to join the cause. Baldock first caught the eye when playing for MK Dons, but suffered an injury after moving to West Ham which set him back last season. Ironically, the signing of former City favourite, Nicky Maynard, moved him further down the pecking order in East London and so he may have a point to prove with this fresh start.

McInnes also signed Cardiff keeper Tom Heaton from Cardiff, a lad who I rate and first saw when he turned out for Swindon on loan from Manchester United. The tussle between him and Dean Gerken should be a good one this season although - with one week to go before the transfer window closes - it will also be interesting to see whether Gerken stays to fight for the number one jersey or decides enough is enough after being second choice behind David James for the last couple of campaigns.

Other new faces include experienced defender Mark Wilson, 32, from Celtic, ex-Forest midfielder Paul Anderson, 24, left back Greg Cunningham, 21, from Premier League champions Manchester City and attacking left-sided player Steve Davies, 24, from Derby.

And the City boss has told the Bristol Evening Post that there is more "business to be done"!

Winger Tommy Smith, 32, is posed to become Cardiff's third summer signing from QPR today according to reports. He will join front mam Heidar Helguson and defender Matthew Connolly.

The three Loftus Road recruits join several other new boys signed by Malky Mackay during the break ... and one old boy.

Malkay has brought in a mixture of youth and experience in an effort to finally get the Bluebirds out of the Championship. 

Filip Kiss, 21 - a Slovakia U-21 - England U-21 Jordan Mutch, 20, and South Korean international Kim Bo-Kyung, 22, have been signed to bolster the midfield options while Slovenia international Etien Velikonja, 23, is one to watch for up front along with a shy, retiring and little known youngster, Craig Bellamy, 33.

It is touch and go whether Mutch will make tomorrow's starting eleven after picking up a knock to his foot in Tuesday's scoreless draw away to Brighton, but Mackay will be hoping that his team can chalk up another clean sheet in his absence ... and find the net again after registering one one goal - the first day win against Huddersfield - in the first two league games.

Meanwhile, McInnes will be hoping for more of the same at the Gate after Tuesday's 4-1 mauling of Palace. He told the City website today:

"The performance on Tuesday shows what can be done. It was a real positive, energetic performance. Regardless of the opposition we must make sure we reach those levels again. We were excellent on the night and the players should take great confidence going into the Cardiff game. However, it will be easily forgotten if we lose on Saturday. (see more here: http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~2898736,00.html?)