Having ended 2023 with back-to-back away losses, Daniel Farke’s Whites are now chasing a third win on the spin following the 3-0 victory against Championship visitors Birmingham City on New Year’s Day and last weekend’s win by the same scoreline at third round FA Cup hosts Peterborough United.
Cardiff, meanwhile, are approaching Saturday’s 3pm kick-off on the back of last weekend’s 4-0 hiding at third round FA Cup hosts Sheffield Wednesday which followed a 2-1 success at relegation-battling Queens Park Rangers in the league on New Year’s Day.
Cardiff sit ninth in the Championship table, three points off the play-offs and 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Leeds who begin the weekend seven points away from the division’s automatic promotion places and four points behind third-placed Southampton. The full extent of team news from both camps has now been revealed and, here, we run through the injuries and doubts from both sides plus those players returning.
2. Karl Darlow - out
Darlow is recovering from a dislocated thumb which is set to keep him out until at least the end of next month. Photo: George Wood
3. Stuart Dallas - out
Dallas remains on the long comeback trail as he recovers from a femoral fracture. Photo: OLI SCARFF
4. Aaron Ramsey - out
The Cardiff star remains out with a knee injury. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
5. Callum O'Dowda - out
Another key Cardiff player who was recovering from groin surgery only to suffer another small injury which now has him facing another six weeks out. Photo: Alex Caparros
6. Ebou Adams - out
Bluebirds midfielder Adams is another Cardiff absentee due to being away with Gambia at the Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: ISSOUF SANOGO