Bellamy misses trip to Ipswich

Last updated : 06 October 2012 By Michael Morris

The striker took a knock against Birmingham in midweek and Malky Mackay said before the squad left

"Craig won't be coming to Ipswich with us. He took a knock on his knee and had to come off the other night.

"Tommy Smith and Jordon Mutch… look doubtful as well.

"Rudy Gestede will come with us. So that's one bright light as far as that is concerned.

"Tommy and Jordon are very close. So, if not for this one they will be definite for two weeks' time."

Maybe Malky will give Etien Velikonja a chance. He's only seen two appearances off the bench so far this season. Most likely is the 'safe' option of bringing in Don Cowie to midfield and playing Helgusson as the lone striker. That's guesswork though. We'll see at 5pm when the teams are announced.

Bellamy has not been named in the Welsh squad either for next weeks World Cup double header against Scotland and Croatia.

Ipswich have fresh blood in their squad.

Richie Wellens and DJ Campbell could both debut after signing on loan this week.

Campbell said: "I'm fit and raring to go if called upon. Obviously I haven't played much this season but I've been playing reserve games, so I am match fit and I'm ready to go out there and give 100%."

Ipswich could include former City players Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel Thomas in the starting line up while keeper Aaron Lee Barrett will be on the bench. Scott Loach is their No.1 (Loach wound up City fans when he played for Watford. Be good to put one over on him).

Jason Scotland is another who would love to score again past City. The ex Jack scored at CCS last season along with Chopra in a 2 - 2 draw and Chopra scored for Ipswich as they thumped City 3 - 0 at Portman Rd.

I can see this game going either way depending on which manager gets belief into his squad. Cardiff are more than capable of winning this match but if Ipswich get on the front foot and pressure like Palace did in the second half at Selhurst Park I can see a difficult afternoon for City.

Ipswich v Cardiff City
Saturday 5:20pm
Live on Sky Sports