Cardiff v Derby. Match preview

17 April 2012 16:01
City face two massive home games in the next few days starting with the visit of Derby County tonight.

With a gap over Middlesbrough of just two points and Boro playing already relegated Doncaster tonight then it's crucial that Cardiff find some home form and fashion a first win at CCS since Valentines Day.

Craig Conway is ruled out for the season and Rudy Gestede is struggling with a hip problem. Malky Mackay will have the option of selecting the same XI that beat Barnsley on the weekend.

Nathan Tyson and Jamie Ward will, meanwhile, be hoping to be recalled by Derby boss Nigel Clough, report the Sporting Life.

Clough felt his side lacked "killer instinct" and "quality in the final third" after seeing the Rams' already slim top-six aspirations all-but ended by a home defeat to Middlesbrough.

Theo Robinson started his 11th consecutive match on Saturday but the club's joint-top scorer could make way in south Wales after Clough felt he had an off day against Boro.

"Theo had one-on-ones with defenders all afternoon but didn't really run at them. He never really committed the defender to win a penalty, get a free-kick or get a shot off," Clough said.

"That is the next stage of his progress. He has shown that he can finish when the ball is in the box but he has to go and get something from those good situations we have."

Ward is fit again after a lengthy absence with a thigh injury while Derby now seem to be on top of the persistent groin problem that has blighted Tyson's first season at Pride Park.

Midfielders James Bailey and Tom Carroll are also options for Clough while defender John Brayford is closing in on a return from the torn thigh muscle that has kept him on the sidelines for two months.

Source: FOOTYMAD