Cardiff City vs Blackpool (Team News)

Cardiff City will hope to have returning first team players to boost the starting XI following the 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace. Key defender Ben Turner and imposing midfielder Jordon Mutch have both suffered foot injuries but City are hopeful that both will be passed fit to play.

The big absentee for the Bluebirds is undoubtedly Nicky Maynard. The striker underwent surgery this week to repair his torn ACL. (Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his knee). Youngster Joe Mason is favourite to step in.

Experienced midfielder Stephen McPhail is yet to feature following a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season. Young French striker Rudy Gestede is now back in contention after returning to fitness.

Fringe players like Craig Conway, Etien Velikonja, Kim Bo Kyung and Filip Kiss will all hope to feature at some point while Aron Gunnarsson and Don Cowie will hope to keep their places but both could yet miss out.


Blackpool have been hit with an injury to influential defender Craig Cathcart. The former Manchester United man has suffered a calf tear and will miss three weeks. Experienced centre-half Ian Evatt looks set to deputise though ex-Ranger man Kirk Broadfoot will hope to make his debut after joining on a free transfer.

Promising strikers Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa)and Nathan Eccleston (Liverpool) have joined the Seasiders on season long loans.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has hinted that he will shake up his large and talented squad after defeat against Huddersfield Town. There are many options available to 'Ollie' and there may well be some surprises, though you can be sure he will name a strong side that will cause the Bluebirds problems.

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