Saturday’s defeat ended a streak of three league victories in a row
CARDIFF City are looking to get back to winning ways when they host Coventry tonight.
Steve Morison’s side ended their three-match winning streak with a 2-1 defeat away at Millwall on Saturday.
A first Cardiff goal for 20-year-old Joel Bagan was just a consolation as Mason Bennett and Murray Wallace ruined Cardiff’s visit to the English capital.
Cardiff City manager Morison said after the defeat: “It was a game too far for us. I think physically we struggled with the game and lacked intensity in our press. Sometimes you have to take it on the chin because it is just the physical stretch.
“We have had a lot of games and when you are scrapping like we have been, it is physical and emotional tiredness.”
The three-match winning streak lifted pressure off Morison after speculation regarding his future at the club, and created breathing space between the Bluebirds and the bottom three.
Results elsewhere mean the Bluebirds remain 12 points clear of trouble.
There has been an improvement in front of goal for Cardiff in recent weeks and the Bluebirds have now netted in five league games in succession.
The result leaves the Bluebirds in 20th place with tonight’s opponents Coventry up in 12th.
Tonight’s visitors have taken 10 points out of a possible 18 in their last six Championship games and head to South Wales on the back of a 3-2 win away to struggling Reading.
The Sky Blues will now be looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games.
Team news:
Morison is unlikely to tinker with a defence that has been in otherwise good from, despite conceding two late goals at Millwall.
On loan Middlesbrough striker Uche Ikpeazu will be in contention for a return.
In yesterday morning’s press conference, Morison confirmed that youngster Rubin Colwill will miss the game after injuring his foot on Friday when he volleyed the floor instead of the ball during a training session.
“Rubin is out. That’s another tick in the box of learning for him. He is out but it creates an opportunity for someone else,” said Morison.
The visitors are likely to keep the same team that came from behind to beat Reading on Saturday.
Forward Martyn Waghorn is still an injury doubt for Mark Robin’s side.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Drameh, Ng, Flint, McGuinness, Bagan; Doyle, Wintle, Ralls; Hugill, Ikpeazu
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Moore; Hyam, Rose, Clarke-Salter; Kane, Hamer, Sheaf, Bidwell; O’Hare, Maatsen; Gyokeres
Cardiff City form (all competitions):
L W W L W L
Coventry City form (all competitions):
L W L L D W
