Cardiff City's Chopra Picks Up Fifth Yellow Card

Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra picked up a yellow card today in a show of frustration during the 3-0 away defeat to Bristol City. It was the striker's fifth of the campaign but he has escaped an automatic 1 match ban because we are now in 2011 - he will instead be given a 'warning as to future conduct' by the FA.

That means that Chopra will be available for the crunch clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Leeds United, who will visit CCS on Tuesday night for what could be a vital game.

Although we've been shockingly bad of late, Chopra has actually been playing very well. His movement has been first class and he has forged various chances for himself despite a lack of service. He was denied by the brilliance of Keiran Westwood against Coventry City, while he has also been lively and committed during the heavy defeats to Watford and Bristol City.

Chopra's availability is key since Craig Bellamy is unlikely to play after completing 90 minutes today. He is not meant to play games so close together and could be rested to avoid further knee complaints. Hopefully Jay Bothroyd will be available after hamstring trouble - but City will be desperate to avoid aggrevating the niggle. City could also have another striker on the books with moves for James Vaughan (Everton) and Jon Parkin (Preston North End) in the pipeline.

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