Cardiff City vs Blackpool FC (Team News)

Cardiff City have been handed a boost after Gavin Rae was declared fit despite breaking two bones in his hand last time out. He will partner Joe Ledley in midfield, the Welshman is also fit despite his longstanding hip complaint.

The break between fixtures has also allowed Jay Bothroyd (knee), Kevin McNaughton and Mark Kennedy (calf) to recover from their respective injuries although Kennedy has been hit with a stomach bug this week and may miss out.

Tony Capaldi and Darcy Blake have both returned from loan spells at Leeds United and Plymouth Argyle respectively, but are not likely to make the matchday squad.


Blackpool have striker Billy Clarke missing with a knee injury, but midfielder David Vaughan returns from suspension and could feature in a 5-man midfield along with the likes of Barry Bannan and dangermen Charlie Adam and Keith Southern.

Dynamic midfielder Hameur Bouazza is unavailable as he is representing Algeria in the African Cup of Nations.

However, the Seasiders do have a problem at centre-back after two such defenders were both sent off during the match against Ipswich Town - both Ian Evatt and Rob Edwards are suspended leaving just Alex Baptiste fit and available for Ian Holloway. That prompted Blackpool to move in the transfer market and they duly strengthened with the capture of Andy Butler on loan from Huddersfield Town. He is expected to slot straight into the starting line-up - a tough ask against the likes of Chopra, McCormack and Bothroyd.

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