Cardiff v Middlesbrough preview

Boro travel to South Wales

Last updated: 5th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cardiff v Middlesbrough preview

Jones: Needs a win

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Cardiff City are looking to bounce back to form as they host Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Boro make their first trip to the Cardiff City Stadium with the hope of leapfrogging the Bluebirds.

Victory for Boro would see them climb above Dave Jones' men, who have won just once in their lest five games.

Cardiff have dropped five points adrift of fifth place and need a win against Boro, who triumphed last time out against Queens Park Rangers.

Cardiff look set to make changes following their 3-0 defeat at Preston last weekend.

Adam Matthews will be hoping for a recall, with Paul Quinn likely to make way - while Kevin McNaughton could play in central defence with Gabor Gyepes struggling with a back problem.

Darcy Blake could return in midfield after overcoming a virus.

Stephen McPhail (ribs), Joe Ledley (hips), Mark Hudson (ankle), Miguel Comminges (thigh) and Josh Magennis (broken fibula) remain sidelined.

Boro news

Boro boss Gordon Strachan could be tempted to name an unchanged side for the clash, following their win last time out.

One main concern is over Emmanuel Pogatetz, who is struggling with a knee problem which forced him to sit out Austria's midweek friendly.

Strachan will also be waiting to see how Chris Killen is as he jets back from America after playing for New Zealand against Mexico, with Lee Miller on stand-by to replace him.

Scott McDonald is recovering from his hernia, but will not be considered for a place.

Long-term absentees Chris Riggott (hamstring) and Rhys Williams (pelvic injury) are both back in training, but Tony McMahon, Seb Hines and Matthew Bates remain on the sidelines.

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