Cardiff v Middlesbrough Match preview

16 November 2012 16:26
Bellamy is back and in contention for a place against Middlesbrough.

Cardiff City go for a ninth successive home win tomorrow boosted by the return of Craig Bellamy. The Welsh international has been out for a number of weeks with an ankle injury and City are further strengthened with the returnm of Matt Connolly who missed last weekend's win over Hull City. Connolly is sure to start ater his replacement last week, Kevin McNaughton, has injured a thigh muscle.

Assistant manager David Kerslake admitted: “Having Craig back is a massive boost to us.

“He has been training really well this week and is now raring to go.”

Bellamy has been in the USA with physio Sean Connelly working on the ankle injury he sustained during the win against Watford last month.

Kerslake continued: “Any club would miss a player like Craig. He is a fantastic professional and demands everything from those around him.

“It is a huge plus to get him back.”

Both Middlesbrough and Cardiff could go top of the Championship with a win if Crystal Palace fail to win their game at home to Derby.

Malky Mackay will have to deice if Bellamy starts the match and if so who will he drop. Kimbo played well last week and could miss out for Craig to start or maybe Joe Mason will stand down for Bellamy to partner Heidar Helguson up front.

With Joe Ralls doing well last week and Craig Conway doing well in the Development game in midweek then malky has some good selection problems to solve.

Middlesbrough have injury concerns after midfielder Josh McEachran limped out of England Under-21's game against Northern Ireland.

Jonathan Woodgate and Kevin Thomson are both doubtful with calf injuries.

Cardiff are the top scorers in the Championship with 33 goals in 16 games and are the only team in all four divisions with a 100% home record so far this campaign.

Cardiff v MiddlesbroughSaturday 3:00pm.

Source: Cardiff City Online

Source: FOOTYMAD