CRUCIAL TRIP TO BLACKBURN FOR OMER RIZA

Cardiff City are back on the road as they travel to face Valerien Ismael's Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

The Opposition:

Blackburn have been somewhat of a surprise package this season, with The Rovers sat firmly in the play-off mix ahead of the run-in. Much of their success comes down to John Eustace, however Eustace has recently departed for Derby. Valerien Ismael was chose as the replacement for the 45 year-old an is waiting for his first victory ahead of this one.

Valerien Ismael is attempting to craft a style of play which delivers what sounds to be obvious, but isn't always readily achievable – having a lot of ball, getting plenty of goal attempts and restricting the opposition to the minimum.

Rovers sit ninth ahead of this one, and would move to seventh with a victory.

The Bluebirds:

Cardiff come into this one on a defeat against Luton Town. Despite Calum Chambers giving City the lead early in the second half, The Hatters hit two in quick succession to deal a huge blow to The Bluebirds.

City are going to face a hungry side who can’t afford defeat, therefore they will need to be far more disciplined defensively than they have been in recent weeks, and attack with pace and purpose. The Bluebirds will need to press high, as Rovers have given up chances under Ismael when defenders are put under pressure.

Team News:

Cardiff City - David Turnbull and Joe Ralls back in contention. Jak Alnwick, Ollie Tanner and Ronan Kpakio remain out.

Blackburn Rovers - Callum Brittain is a doubt for Rovers. Andreas Weimann, Augustus Kargbo, Danny Batth, Harry Leonard, Owen Beck, Scott Wharton, Ryan Hedges and Harry Pickering out for the hosts.

Preferred XI:

GK - Ethan Horvath

RB - Perry Ng

RCB - Will Fish

LCB - Jesper Daland

LB - Joel Bagan

RDM - Calum Chambers

LDM - Joe Ralls

CAM - Rubin Colwill

RW - Cian Ashford

LW - Will Alves

ST - Callum Robinson