It seems apparent that Alex Neil doesn't know his best starting eleven or his preferred formation anymore. He changed to three at the back with Riis given a start alongside Evans up front.
Cunningham came back into the side at left wong back. In reality it didn't matter who played as they seemed void of any confidence and there was hardly a glimpse of passion through the match.
The game got off to a bad start. The referee gave a penatly for the home side in the first minute. A Cardiff player appeared to go down in the box but it was hard to see if there was any contact and the penalty was harsh.
Moore converted from the spot. From that moment on the game was done. Preston failed to create any real chances in the first half deciding to lump the ball up and bypassing the midfield hitting the three tall centre backs of Cardiff.
The home side had one other attempt in the first half but they were very comfortable and preferred to break up the play no that Preston were creating anything.
The second half started disastrously. Preston kicked off and lost the ball. Wilson was allowed to run unaided towards the edge of the box where he laid off for Murphy to shoot past Iversen.
Preston then at last started to come into the game. Browne had a looping header tipped over but it was Cardiff who looked more likely to score with Wilson looking dangerous.
Gordon was brought on and had an immediate impact as he was nudged over in the box. Gallagher was also on as a subsitute but had his penalty saved. As he went for the rebounded he was fouled by Flint and another penalty was awarded.
Evans took the second spot kick which was also saved and Preston resembled more of a comedy sketch than a football team as the game went from bad to worse.
Iversen rushed out of his area and failed to get the ball. Cardiff had the ball on the wing and a simple cross was headed in by Pack. The home side didn't have to work hard for this victory.
Potts had a shot over the bar but the afternoon was complete when Lindsay decided to play a backpass to Iversen without noticing that Harris was waiting after just coming onto the pitch. The forward rounded Iversen to tap into the net.
Barkhuizen was put through late on but even he couldn't reduce the scoreline as he fired straight at the keeper when clean through. It summed up the performance.
Cardiff had an easy victory. Whilst the Cardiff penalty was a harsh decision the rest of the game was sub standard from Preston and that is being polite.
They created very little and looked lifeless. Defensively they were shocking with all three of the second half goals avoidable. If Preston continue like this then they will be facing a scrap to stay in this division.