Brighton & HA vs Cardiff City (Team News)

Cardiff City have the luxury of a nearly fully fit squad for tonight's clash with Brighton and Hove Albion but we will again be without French striker Rudy Gestede - out with a knee problem but making decent progress.

Stephen McPhail (hamstring) and Kadeem Harris (thigh) aare both nearing a return to first team action but neither is likely to be risked tonight. Harris will likely get a run-out with the development squad, though McPhail could return as a substitute if passed fit.

Craig Bellamy played the full 90 minutes against Huddersfield so resting his knees could be a consideration for Malky Mackay. We have heard little of the 'one-game-per-week' mentality from his previous spell so he may yet start tonight.

With Anthony Gerrard departed, and Matthew Connelly yet to sign - Darcy Blake will again provide cover across the back four.


Brisghton have been handed a massive boost with the return to fitness of key midfielder Vicente, the Spaniard had been struggling with a groin strain prior to the season those is now recovered. The Seagulls opted to spare him a lenghty bus journey to Hull on Saturday - preferring to rest him for tonight's game.

Winger Will Buckley is to be given a late fitness test on a hip/hamstring injury, but is hoping to feature. Buckley is well known to Malky Mackay who managed him at Watford - while he has also caused plenty of problems for City in the past. Another familiar name to Cardiff fans is Craig Noone, a top target in January - but despite City's best endeavours, Noone remained at Brighton and will hopefully not return to haunt us tonight.

The Seagulls will definitely be without striker Will Hoskins, who has a broken foot but Craig Mackail-Smith suffered no ill effects after retunring from a back injury so will be free to play.

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