Cardiff hoping to avoid the Sky Blues

Last updated : 12 February 2008 By Michael Morris
Despite the reverses against Stoke and Norwich, Cardiff are still just two points off the play off places. Dave Jones has hinted he may make a change or two for tonight's game.

Most likely is a start up front for Steve Thompson and possibly a first start for keeper Peter Enckleman. Jones finds himself with a threadbare squad and the same 16 faces should be on duty tonight. Maybe though he can change the system to make us less predictable.

City could be boosted soon with the return to fitness of Trevor Sinclair and Riccy Scimeca. Both look likely for a run out next week in the FAW Premier Cup.

Back to the challenge at the Ricoh this evening. Will Jones break his mould of 4 - 4 - 2? or give young AAron Ramsey a game.

"We can only change so many, but it might be that one or two players need a break to keep fresh for the next game," said Jones.

"If I think that is the right thing to do that is what I will do. I am not frightened to change things around. If there are changes to be made I will do it.

"We are not carrying the biggest squad, but those positions I can change I might change just to give them a break.

"Of course there are people who need a break. You have to see if they can work their way through it - after all, it is a very long season.

"But it is difficult if you look at the Norwich game and you are just going like-for-like, whereas at this moment in time we might need something different.

"But I am looking at different things. I have been thinking about it over the weekend, what we can do differently.

"Maybe we could go one up front, five across or three at the back or whatever."

For Coventry Stephen Hughes could be a doubt after he was substituted at half-time in the Sky Blues' 1-0 loss to Preston on Saturday but veteran midfielder Michael Hughes could replace him as he did at Deepdale.

Top scorer Michael Mifsud is expected to be restored to the starting line-up after the 16-goal striker was rested against North End following his midweek exertions for Malta.

Goalkeeper Andy Marshall has resumed full training following a troublesome back problem while midfielder Chris Birchall and striker Wayne Andrews are available after injury.