Cardiff City boss Dave Jones will leave it late before deciding on his starting line-up to face Millwall, with a number of key players uncertain if they will be passed fit for the highly anticipated encounter.
The ‘biggest` decision (in more ways than one!) is probably over loanee Seyi Olofinjana whose presence and contribution we have missed since he picked up a thigh problem. He is expected to feature, but youngster Darcy Blake or the experienced Gavin Rae will step in if Oli misses out. Danny Drinkwater is definitely out so Steve McPhail will continue in central midfield.
The other definite absentee is Michael Chopra, the lively striker is now in light training following ankle ligament damage but remains weeks from a comeback. Fellow striker Craig Bellamy is also a serious doubt as he continues to suffer with a longstanding knee complaint. However, there is better news in attack after Jay Bothroyd suffered no aggravation to his calf problem after returning against Ipswich – he is expected to lead the line and feature in his 100th game for the Bluebirds.
Kevin McNaughton remains a doubt after being withdrawn against Ipswich, while his replacement Adam Matthews endured a torrid second half. Darcy Blake or Paul Quinn could deputise at right-back. New signing Chris Riggott is still desperately short of fitness and will not be considered.
The most likely Bluebirds line-up is:
Marshall,
Blake, Hudson, Gyepes, Naylor
Olofinjana,
McPhail, Whittingham
Burke Keogh
Bothroyd
That leaves the likes of Koumas, Matthews, Wildig and Rae on the bench.
Millwall boss Kenny Jackett has been given good news after midfielder Jimmy Abdou returned from an ankle knock. Kevin Lisbie and Theo Robinson both return for the Lions after missing the midweek cup defeat through ineligibility. Defender Tony Craig also suffered no set-backs after returning from a broken metatarsal.
However, there are doubts over wingers James Henry and Danny Schofield – both face late fitness tests but Chris Hackett is pushing to start.
Influential midfielder Darren Carter is a big loss through an ankle injury, while Shaun Batt (knee) and John Marquis (wrist) are also out of contention. Left-back Andrew Frampton (ankle) will also miss out.
But wingers Danny Schofield and James Henry will need fitness tests after picking up knocks against Ipswich.
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