DIFFICULT RUN CONTINUES AT SUNDERLAND

Cardiff City are back on the road as they travel to face fourth place Sunderland.

The Opposition:

Sunderland have faired quite well since their opening day victory over The Bluebirds. After storming to the top, inconsistency here and there has seen The Black Cats drop down into the play-off places. With eleven games remaining Sunderland have almost confirmed a position in the play-offs, but remain with an outside chance of automatic promotion.

Régis Le Bris has been ‘flexible depending on the opponent’, but will mainly focus on an attacking approach. Le Bris is expected to operates with a back four, despite using a back three in France. The 48 year-old is strong on playing from the back. Le Bris has been praised in recent times for his tactical versatility. The Sunderland boss prefers to see his side play with the ball in their own half, in order to outnumber the opposition's press.

The Black Cats would remain fourth with a win, but would close to the gap to third to just three points.

The Bluebirds:

Cardiff come into this one on the back of a defeat against Burnley despite a valiant performance. The Clarets netted twice in quick succession, and despite Yousef Salech halving the deficit, and countless City opportunities, The Bluebirds were unable to find an equaliser.

City will have to show similar aggression off the ball as they did against Burnley in order to disrupt Sunderland. Cardiff will also have to be quick in transition and be ruthless on the counter attack as The Black Cats like to commit men forward.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Will Alves is back available. Andy Rinomhota is a doubt. Joe Ralls, Yakou Meite, David Turnbull, Jesper Daland, Jak Alnwick, Ollie Tanner and Ronan Kpakio remain out.

Sunderland - Ian Poveda a doubt. Enzo Le Fee, Jayden Danns, Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Niall Huggins out for the hosts.

Preferred XI:

GK - Ethan Horvath

RCB - Will Fish

CB - Dimitrios Goutas

LCB - Joel Bagan

RM - Perry Ng

RCM - Aaron Ramsey

LCM - Calum Chambers

LM - Callum O'Dowda

RAM - Alex Robertson

LAM - Callum Robinson