Cardiff Defenders Set To Return

Kerrea Gilbert and Glenn Loovens are in line for recalls into the Cardiff City starting XI when the Bluebirds travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

On-loan Arsenal defender Gilbert made his comeback from a dislocated shoulder in the away match against Leicester City but was deemed lacking match fitness to figure in the 2-2 home draw with Plymouth Argyle on Boxing Day.

Dutch defender Glenn Loovens will also be available after sustaining a dead leg in the 0-0 draw with Leicester City. The £2590k summer capture from Feyenoord has been among Cardiff’s most impressive players this season and should come in for Roger Johnson at centre-back.

The return of the two defenders will allow Dave Jones to field his best starting back four and allow Scottish international to revert to left-back where he has played most of the season and looks most comfortable.

Cardiff are without a win in 8 games and need to take something away from this game to keep pace with the play-off pack.