Brentford v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 11 December 2019 By Michael Morris

Brentford v Cardiff City.
Wednesday 11th Decemer, ko 7:45pm
LIve on Sky Sports Red Button

Brentford boss Thomas Frank could still be without a number of players ahead of his side's Sky Bet Championship clash with Cardiff at Griffin Park. Defensive duo Henrik Dalsgaard and Pontus Jansson both missed the Bees' 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, the former through illness, and it remains to be seen whether the Dane has recovered in time.

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Frank is definitely without Sergi Canos and Nikos Karelis with knee injuries, while Joel Valencia continues to recover from a dislocated shoulder. Frank's side will be aiming for a third consecutive home victory as they seek to press their claim for a play-off place. 

Leandro Bacuna is Cardiff boss Neil Harris' major doubt after the midfielder limped out of Saturday's 3-2 home win over Barnsley with an ankle injury. Harris does have a number of other players fit again and vying for places in a squad that has picked up 10 points from 12 since he took charge. 

Striker Gavin Whyte is available after being out for three weeks, along with another forward in Robert Glatzel who has missed the last seven weeks with a hamstring problem. Fellow striker Omar Bogle is also ready to step in after nearly three weeks out, while midfielder Joe Ralls is close to a comeback and will either be part of the squad on Wednesday, or if not, then on Saturday for the trip to Leeds.

Match Stats:

  • Brentford have lost their last three Championship meetings with Cardiff, with this their first meeting since March 2018.
  • Cardiff have won three of their last five away league matches against Brentford (W3 D1 L1), as many as they'd won in their first 16 visits to Griffin Park (W3 D5 L8). 
  • None of Brentford's last 10 league games have ended level, with the Bees winning six and losing four.
  • Cardiff have won their last three Championship matches, as many as they had in their previous 13 (W3 D7 L3).
  • Brentford have had a joint league-low six different goalscorers in the Championship this season.

Match officials:

Referee: JOHN BROOKS
Assistants: Akil Howson and Sam Lewis
Fourth Official : Ryan Atkin