Blackburn V Cardiff at Ewood Park : Match Preview

06 December 2012 17:01
Blackburn V Cardiff - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Berg boosted by midfield options

Blackburn boss Henning Berg will enjoy bolstered options in midfield when npower Championship leaders Cardiff visit Ewood Park.

Club stalwart David Dunn returned to the match-day squad for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Burnley following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.

Dickson Etuhu will provide further options for Berg in the centre of the park having overcome the effects of illness.

Veteran Portugal striker Nuno Gomes remains absent with a hamstring problem, although countryman Fabio Nunes is back in training following a similar complaint and could come into contention.

Also pressing his case for a place on the wing is on-loan Manchester United youngster Josh King, who impressed after replacing Morten Gamst Pedersen early in the second half at Turf Moor.

In seven matches under Berg, Rovers have only tasted victory on one occasion and head into the match 12 points behind Cardiff.

Cardiff will welcome the return of winger Craig Noone.

The former Plymouth man has enjoyed a productive start to life in south Wales after moving from Brighton and he is available for selection again after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Derby.

Bluebirds' boss Malky Mackay was without a number of key players during November but is relieved that the majority of them have now returned to action ahead of the trip to face Henning Berg's men.

"I was delighted to get Ben Turner and Andrew Taylor back, they are two big players for me," Mackay said. "And I was delighted to get Jordon Mutch back on Sunday.

"I had Don Cowie and Kevin McNaughton back on the bench as well. So to have them back and Noone back for Friday night, after coming through a period in November where we were ravished by five or six first players missing, gives us great hope."

Tommy Smith is also close to a return and the former QPR man is targeting the December 15 clash with Peterborough for a return from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since October.


Source: PA