Barnsley v City. Match preview

Last updated : 24 November 2012 By Michael Morris

barnsleyIt's a big week for the tavelling Bluebirds as they face back to back games at Barnsley and Derby.

The clubs home record is the best in Europe with nine wins in nine matches but on the road City have lost the last three games conceding 10 goals.

Defensive injuries mean a new addition to the squad for today's game at Oakwell. Left Back Simon Lappin could start for his debut after his loan move from Norwich City.

“I’m delighted to be here," Lappin told the official website, "I was given the opportunity to come and play some games. As soon as I heard Cardiff were keen to have me here I just couldn’t wait to get down here. Obviously because it’s a fantastic club who have a lot of great players and their form in the league is great at the minute and hopefully I can keep that going and we’ll see what happens.

City could be boosted in midfield with the return from inury of Jordon Mutch. The midfielder played for an hour in midweek for the Development side.

"I felt fine after the game in midweek," he said. "I’m looking to get fitter and hopefully I could be involved in some way on Saturday and hopefully our luck can change away from home.”

19 year old Ben Nugent is set to start in central defence alongside skipper Mark Hudson. Injury to Ben Turner saw Nugent come off the bench against Middlesbrough last week. City would have switch Matt Connolly to central defence but with Kevin McNaughton out as well Connolly will play right back.

“Ben captained our reserves at a very young age and since day one of pre-season he has just kept improving,” said Malky Mackay.

“He desperately wants to learn and that’s a nice combination to have.

“There’s a lot of potential there. It’s early days, but from what I’ve seen so far, and I was a centre-back myself, if Ben keeps progressing he will probably end up captaining Cardiff City one day.

“It’s all about who can go in and handle a situation and who can be consistent – and I have no qualms about Ben after what I’ve seen of him.

Barnsley, after a week dabbling in the loan market, could give debuts to all three new loan signings Emile Sinclair, Jonathan Greening and Akos Buzsaky.

Striker Mido is hoping to return to the side, but midfielder David Perkins is still out with a hamstring strain.

City start the match in 2nd place. Leaders Crystal Palace are away at Leeds Utd. Barnsley find themselves in 20th place befofre kick off.

Barnsley v Cardiff
Saturday 3:00pm.