Brentford v Cardiff. Match preview

Last updated : 14 March 2015 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphp9268.tmpIn the reverse fixture at CCS the visitors destroyed Cardiff in a first half that saw them score three goals and left City chasing shadows.

Cardiff did rally to pull a couple back in the second half but the match had been won at half time.

Surprisingly Brentford have kept up their form and are still in with a chance of making the Premier League. They have done remarkably well, even with news mid season that manager mark Warburton would be leaving at the end of the season. I thought that might throw them off course but they are still up there.

City will have to settle for a season of mid table nothingness (it's been a while since we've had one of those) although a few more points are needed to make absolutely sure we are not dragged into a relegation battle.

Brentford have no new injury worries ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Cardiff at Griffin Park.

Midfielder Alan Judge got an hour under his belt in the 1-1 draw at Ipswich last weekend having recently returned from a knee injury, and if he has suffered no reaction boss Mark Warburton could name an unchanged side.

Midfielder Lewis Macleod, the January signing from Rangers, is still awaiting his debut having been carrying a hamstring injury.

Striker Scott Hogan remains sidelined as he recovers from cruciate ligament damage.

Aaron Gunnarsson is a doubt for Russell Slade's side after suffering an injury against Charlton.

The Cardiff skipper was substituted after half an hour and could see his place go to Joe Ralls who is pushing for a recall to the side.

Slade has also tipped his on-loan stars Conor McAleny and Matthew Kennedy to have a growing influence on his side, but the former is likely to retain his place on the wing for the trip to Brentford.

Goalkeeper David Marshall could return after a groin problem, while Alex Revell is pushing for a start after a disappointing start to life at Cardiff.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-Head

• Brentford won the earlier meeting this season 3-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium in December - their first win in three meetings.

• Cardiff won the last meeting at Griffin Park 2-0 in the old Division Two in March 2003 - their only win in the last five meetings there.

Brentford

• Brentford have lost only one of their last five games. Their only defeat since mid-February was 1-0 at Birmingham on 28 February.

• Brentford have won their last three games at Griffin Park, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one.

Cardiff

• Cardiff have won two of their last four games, after winning none of their previous eight games in all competitions.

• Cardiff are unbeaten in their last four away games, winning the last two. Their last defeat on the road was 2-1 at Middlesbrough on 20 January.