Cardiff v Bolton. Match preview

Last updated : 23 April 2016 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphp98ED.tmpCardiff defender Bruno Ecuele Manga has resumed training following a bout of malaria and could be involved for the Sky Bet Championship visit of relegated Bolton.

The Gabon centre-back was discharged from hospital earlier this week and might make the Bluebirds' bench after missing the last two games.

Danish striker Kenneth Zohore pushed his claims for a first start for play-off-chasing Cardiff when he scored after coming off the bench in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Brentford.

But Zohore will probably only be accommodated if Anthony Pilkington is pushed wide from the central striking role he has filled in the past few months.
 

Bolton may have more options available for the trip to south Wales.

Although Tuesday's draw came too soon for them, defender Dorian Dervite (ankle) is back in full training and striker Gary Madine is close to a return after interim manager Jimmy Phillips gave him another five days to recover from a hip injury.

Oscar Threlkeld is likely to retain his place in midfield having impressed following his loan spell at Plymouth while Emile Heskey will start up top if the 38-year-old can prove his fitness for a third start in eight days.

Wellington Silva (groin) could feature before the campaign concludes but Max Clayton (hamstring) has pencilled in a pre-season comeback.

 

Match officials:

Referee: LEE COLLINS
Assistants: Matthew Buonassisi and Andrew Quin
Fourth Official: Andy Davies

 

MATCH FACTS

  • The Bluebirds have won just one of their last seven league games against Bolton (D1 L5).
  • The Trotters have won 10 of their last 14 league encounters with Cardiff (D1 L3), keeping clean sheets in eight of those 10 wins.
  • Only Hull (1) have lost fewer home games than the Bluebirds in the Championship this season (2).
  • 13 of Bolton's last 16 goals have been scored in the second half.
  • Relegated Bolton have conceded 78 goals this term, the most they have conceded in a season since the 80 they let in in 1963/64.