Blackpool v Cardiff. Match preview

Last updated : 11 December 2007 By Michael Morris

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson will check on the fitness of Michael Jackson ahead of Tuesday's home clash against Championship rivals Cardiff.

Skipper Jackson was forced off after 65 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 win at derby rivals Preston due to a stomach complaint.

He was replaced in the heart of defence by Ian Evatt but is expected to be available to face the Bluebirds at Bloomfield Road.

On-loan Polish striker Bartosz Slusarski is again rated doubtful having missed the past two games with an ankle injury.

Michael Flynn is expected to keep his place in the side at the expense of David Fox but midfielder Keith Southern (ankle) is likely to miss out again.

Grayson's in-form side have won two and drawn one of their last three games.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones is sweating on the fitness of Kevin McNaughton and Stephen McPhail.

Both defender McNaughton and midfielder McPhail picked up knocks to the knee and hamstring respectively in the 4-1 victory over Colchester at the weekend but are expected to recover in time to make the clash.

The last time the Bluebirds came away with all three points from Blackpool was November 1968 and their bid to break their Bloomfield Road curse will not be aided by the absence of Robbie Fowler.

The former Liverpool striker is still a week away from full fitness as he recovers from his hip injury while long-term absentee Riccardo Scimeca returned to full training on Monday following his groin operation and could be back in contention next week.