Preview: Cardiff Vs SWFC

Wednesday's battle against relegation doesn't get any easier as Paul Sturrock takes his injury hit squad to promotion hopefuls Cardiff City this week, in need of an unlikely three points...

Paul Sturrock told the official SWFC site:

''There is a job of work to be done until the end of the season. We have to put points on the board. The players have to appreciate the position we're in. I'd like to think there will be a response to the criticisms of the team I gave last Saturday. I hope my fairly experienced players come to the fore.''

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones has been calling on the Cardiff fans to make themselves a 12th man as the end of the season approaches. Cardiff find themselves just outside the play-off zone despite winning only two of their last seven games, and will hope to get back on track with a win against the Owls.

Dave Jones will welcome back defender Glen Loovens after recovering from a hamstring injury. The dutchman is likely to go straight in to the squad.

Apart from that the Bluebirds are expected to be unchanged from the team that lost 201 against promotion rivals Watford last week.

Jermaine Darlington and Paul Parry will still be missing through injury.

Cardiff hotshot Cameron Jerome attracted much attention in the January transfer window with fees of up to £3m being discussed about the Huddersfield born player. His future at Ninian Park may well decide on how the Bluebirds do this season, but he will certainly be a handful for the Owls defence on Saturday - as he proved in the reverse fixture at Hillsborough by netting twice in a 3-1 win.

Wednesday welcome back midfielder Yoann Folly and striker Leon Best after the pair were ineligable to play at Southampton as part of their loan deals from the club. Both are expected to start the game.

Barry Corr will miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury in the defeat to the Saints last weekend, but Paul Sturrock still has Leon Best, Steve Maclean, and Marcus Tudgay to choose from in attack. Deon Burton is also likely to return following his substitute appearance last weekend.

Left-back Peter Gilbert will face a late fitness test, but John Hills has ruled himself out of the game, and is expecting to be back for the home clash with QPR next weekend. Should Gilbert not be passed fit, Patrick Collins is likely to continue in the left-back role.

Midfielder Craig Rocastle is available again after his knee injury, and may be included in the squad, despite being told he can leave the club in January.

Sturrock has still not had any success in the loan marker, and so Chris Adamson will continue in goal for the Owls for the fourth successive match.

Jon-Paul McGovern, Drissa Diallo, David Lucas and Steve Adams remain on the sidelines.

The Owls haven't had much to shout about recently, and it was tough naming an Owls 'player to watch' - but Chris Brunt undoubtedly has ability, and his left foot could prove a problem for Cardiff from set pieces - that's if he turns up as Beckham and not Posh!

Current Form:

Cardiff City: L,W,D,W,L

Wednesday: W,D,L,L,L


Past Meetings:

Cardiff City: 19
SWFC: 20
Draws: 11


Last Meeting:

Wednesday 1-3 Cardiff City

9th November 2006

Wednesday were demolished within the first 45 minutes at Hillsborough - love on sky - thanks to Cardiff hot shot Cameron Jermome. Despite a second half fight back, the Welshman were comfortable winners.


Played For Both:

Guylain Ndumbu Nsungu
Richie Humphreys
John Pearson
Alan Harper
Andy McCulloch

Vs QPR (H) - 11/03/06

Vs PNE (H) - 18/03/06

Vs Wolves (A) - 25/03/06

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