Barnsley vs Cardiff City (Team News)

Cardiff City have a number of players returning to fitness but the majority of returning squad members are unlikely to make the trip to face Barnsley and will instead hope to feature against Derby or Sheff Wed over the next week.

Jordon Mutch overcame his foot troubles to excel in the development match this week, but will not start against the Tykes. Steve McPhail is also near a return but is badly lacking match practice. Etien Velikonja will hope his goalscoring form for the reserves will put him in contention. Craig Conway will be involved after having a transfer request turned down as fellow winger Kerim Frei was recalled by Fulham.

Ben Turner (hamstring), Andrew Taylor (calf) and Kevin McNaughton (thigh) are all out for the next week at least so defensive cover has been sought in the form of Norwich City loanee Simon Lappin - due to start at left-back. It seems likely that youngster Ben Nugent will slot in alongside Mark Hudson at the back - a big ask but he certainly has plenty of potential.

Craig Bellamy and Matt Connolly both returned from injuries last week and are available for selection while Tommy Smith (hamstring) and Nicky Maynard (knee) are definitely out.


Barnsley have been extremely active in the loan market and have brought in strikers Marcus Tudgay and Emile Sinclair, along with midfielders Jonathan Greening and Akos Buzsaky to add competition in the squad. All three will be hoping to be included in the matchday 18.

Midfielder David Perkins (hamstring) is definitely out while former Tottenham and Egypt striker Mido is hoping for some sort of action. The classy attacker has played only 30 minutes all season for the Tykes but is close to a return.

Welsh striker Craig Davies recently returned to action after a hamstring problem and is in contention to face City.

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