Cardiff v Ipswich preview

Bluebirds attempt to get back to winning ways

Last updated: 28th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cardiff v Ipswich preview

Bothroyd: Set to return

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Cardiff will attempt to get back to winning ways when they host Roy Keane's Ipswich on Sunday.

The Bluebirds have slipped to fifth in the Championship following successive losses to Swansea and then Barnsley on the road.

Keane's side go into the game on the back of a six game undefeated run - but they have only posted only one win in that sequence to remain in the drop zone, four points from safety.

Bluebirds news

Cardiff are set to receive a triple injury boost ahead of the game.

Striker Jay Bothroyd (knee), centre-back Anthony Gerrard (calf strain) and full-back Adam Matthews (groin) are all due to return for the Bluebirds.

Winger Kelvin Etuhu is also back in training after damaging ankle ligaments but whether he has enough match fitness under his belt remains to be seen.

However, full-back Kevin McNaughton (hamstring) will be out for around a week having seen his long-awaited return from an ankle injury cut short during last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Barnsley.

Midfielder Stephen McPhail is unavailable until the new year as he prepares to undergo treatment for cancer.

Striker Warren Feeney and full-back Tony Capaldi have signed loan deals with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds respectively and will therefore not be available.

Ipswich news

Ipswich boss Keane is set to recall defender Gareth McAuley for the trip, while Stern John should make his debut.

McAuley made his return from a thigh injury as a substitute in last weekend's goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday and may start in place of Alex Bruce, who was replaced by McAuley last weekend after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury and is unlikely to be fit to travel to Wales.

Striker John signed on a month's loan from Crystal Palace before Thursday's loan deadline and he is expected to start.

Richard Wright could return in goal after Portsmouth recalled Asmir Begovic early from his loan spell at Portman Road.

Tommy Smith has missed the last three matches after injuring his hand in training but is close to a return.

Midfielders Luciano Civelli and David Norris are both making good progress in their recovery from serious knee injuries but are not due back until next month at the earliest.

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