Cardiff City v Barnsley. Match preview

Last updated : 17 December 2016 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphpF40E.tmpIt is due to be the last game of Bamba's ban, but he is likely to face longer on the sidelines following his antics in the aftermath of the original sending off.

Bruno Manga will continue at the heart of the defence following an impressive comeback in the win over Wolves, but Lex Immers could make way from the starting XI following a disappointing display.

Kenneth Zohore could be the man to step in for Neil Warnock's side despite having struggled to make an impact so far this season, while Anthony Pilkington is likely to keep out Rickie Lambert after scoring the decisive goal on Tuesday. 

Barnsley will be without suspended winger Adam Hammill, who starts a three-game ban following his straight red card in the midweek defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

But striker Marley Watkins returns to contention after completing his three-game ban and head coach Paul Heckingbottom must decide whether to retain Tom Bradshaw and Sam Winnall up front.

On-loan Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong (knee) and centre-half Adam Jackson (hamstring) will both be assessed.

Wingers Saidy Janko and Ryan Williams, plus defender Cole Kpekawa are pushing for recalls, while Aidy White (glute) and Sessi D'Almeida (knee) are still long-term absentees.

 

Match facts

  • Cardiff have lost just two of their last 15 league games against Barnsley, with both defeats coming in the 2009-10 season.
  • The Tykes have scored on each of their last five league visits to Cardiff, though this will be the first meeting since April 2013.
  • Against Wolves, Anthony Pilkington scored his first goal in 11 appearances for Cardiff; he last netted in consecutive appearances in December 2015.
  • Cardiff have lost just one of their last six home Championship contests.
  • The Tykes have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four away games in the league, though they did concede in midweek against Sheffield Wednesday.

 

Match Officials

Referee: TONY HARRINGTON 
Assistants: Daniel Leach and Timothy Wood 
Fourth Official: Gavin Ward