Cardiff v Derby. Early preview

Last updated : 08 April 2009 By Michael Morris

The Rams reported no fresh injury problems following the home draw against Burnley at the weekend, when midfielders Stephen Pearson and Kris Commons made their returns from injury.

Pearson made his first start in six months following knee surgery and played 84 minutes, while Commons, back in the side for the first time in five weeks following a torn calf muscle, lasted 76 minutes.

Clough will check to see if they have suffered any reaction before finalising his starting line-up.

The game against Burnley signalled the start of a punishing run that will see Derby play four games in just 10 days, and Clough admitted that will have a baring on his team selection in south Wales.

"I will have to pick my team at Cardiff with the Easter schedule in mind," Clough told the club's official website. "We need to decide which players can play Saturday-Monday because not everyone will be able to manage two games in 48 hours."

Cardiff boss Dave Jones could recall Gabor Gyepes to his starting line-up.

The defender has completed a one-match ban and is expected to replace unsettled club captain Darren Purse who could be named on the bench.

Striker Michael Chopra was withdrawn due to injury after 81 minutes of Sunday's 2-2 draw against South Wales rivals Swansea at Ninian Park and if he fails to prove his fitness in time, Eddie Johnson would be the likely candidate to step in.

Winger Paul Parry has been struggling with an ongoing knee problem but was fit enough to play 66 minutes against Swansea and could continue in Jones' starting line-up.

The Bluebirds currently occupy the final play-off place in the Coca-Cola Championship but are just two points clear of seventh-placed Preston.

Sporting Life