Cardiff V Bolton at Cardiff City Stadium : Match Preview

26 April 2013 12:01
Cardiff V Bolton - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Barnett blow for Bluebirds

Cardiff will be without defender Leon Barnett for their coronation as npower Championship title winners against Bolton.

After the final whistle in south Wales Malky Mackay's men will be handed the trophy but Barnett, carried off the field on the shoulders of jubilant supporters following their 0-0 draw with Cardiff last week, will not be there after being recalled by parent club Norwich.

Barnett had been a key part of the promotion-winning City side, playing seven times during the run-in in the absence of captain Mark Hudson and his place in the starting line-up could be taken by youngster Ben Nugent.

Meanwhile striker Nicky Maynard could feature in next weekend's clash at Hull after coming through 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors 0-0 draw with Exeter on Wednesday, but this match comes too soon for the 26-year-old.

The former Bristol City forward has missed most of the campaign with a knee ligament injury and manager Malky Mackay is keen to only field the forward if he is ready for what would be a welcome return.

Fraizer Campbell will be assessed and Matt Connolly is still sidelined.

Bolton could hand a second league appearance of the season to Stuart Holden.

The US international has returned from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday where he made four appearances as he battles back to full fitness following a long-term injury.

Dougie Freedman could bring him into the squad in the continued absence of fellow midfielder Jay Spearing, who is still recovering from a broken toe.

He joins striker David Ngog on the sidelines, who will not feature again this season after dislocating his shoulder in the 3-2 defeat at Leicester.

Freedman has received a boost as defender David Wheater has returned to training after a calf injury.

Wanderers have won four of their last five and occupy the final play-off spot, but only Leeds and Bristol City have won fewer away games this season.

Source: PA