Sheff Utd v Cardiff preview

Blades look to cut through Bluebirds' unbeaten record

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Blackwell Kevin

Blackwell: Bright start

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Sheffield United and Cardiff clash at Bramall Lane in a battle between two promotion hopefuls.

The Blades are among the early pacesetters and have established themselves inside the top six.

The Bluebirds have also begun in positive fashion, going unbeaten through their first three fixtures.

No worries

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell has no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of Saturday's contest.

Blackwell made seven changes to his side for the Carling Cup second-round win at Huddersfield on Wednesday night and several of his regulars will come back into the starting line-up.

Striker James Beattie has yet to make an appearance this season due to a knee injury and will remain on the sidelines once again at Bramall Lane.

Keith Gillespie is also still out with an ankle injury, while fellow midfielder Lee Hendrie is unavailable due to a foot infection.

The Blades have won their last four games in a row and Blackwell will hope they can extend that run against last season's FA Cup finalists.

Injury concerns

Cardiff manager Dave Jones will be without a number of players when the Bluebirds travel to Yorkshire.

With two key players missing before the Carling Cup clash with MK Dons, the Bluebirds suffered further setbacks with three players limping off before half-time in the 2-1 victory.

Gavin Rae was absent with a serious leg injury while fellow Scot Kevin McNaughton sat out with a knee problem, although he is expected to return sooner rather than later.

Full-back Tony Capaldi was the first player to withdraw against the Dons, with his first appearance since knee surgery lasting just 10 minutes before he suffered a trapped nerve.

Youngster Darcy Blake then suffered a pulled hamstring before Riccardo Scimeca was stretchered off with an ankle problem which will keep him sidelined.