Cardiff v Preston. Match preview

Last updated : 21 December 2019 By Michael Morris

Cardiff City face 3rd placed Preston today looking for a third home win on the bounce since the defeat to Bristol City last month. In a tight Championship play off race there are just five points separating the sides with Cardiff in 12th.

Captain Sean Morrison will miss the Sky Bet Championship clash with Preston through suspension. Morrison was sent off during Saturday's comeback at Leeds, which saw the Welsh club rally from three goals down to force a 3-3 draw.

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Bluebirds boss Neil Harris expects defender Aden Flint to struggle to be ready for the Preston game after limping off at Elland Road, while Junior Hoilett and Gary Madine have also picked up knocks. Centre-back Sol Bamba is "eager to play" after returning to full fitness following an ACL injury.

Preston need alternative cover at right-back after Darnell Fisher picked up his 10th booking of the season against Luton. Fisher had been covering for Joe Rafferty, who has two games of his own ban remaining, so Alex Neil might turn to captain Tom Clarke or Alan Browne to complete the backline.

Ben Davies (ankle) is close to returning to the squad after completing a full week of training. Paul Gallagher could be an option after making his first appearance since November in the win over Luton, while midfielder Daniel Johnson should make the trip to the capital of Wales.

Opta stats

Cardiff last hosted Preston in the Championship back in December 2017, losing 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium. They last lost consecutive home league games against them in January 2000.

Preston have won three of their last four league matches against Cardiff (L1), one more than they managed in their previous 11 games against the Bluebirds.

Having lost just once in their 10 home league games this season (W7 D2), Cardiff are looking to win three consecutive home games in the Championship since a run of seven straight victories in March 2018.

Preston have lost four of their last five away league games (W1), scoring just one goal in the process.

Cardiff playmaker Lee Tomlin has been directly involved in nine goals in his last nine league games (4 goals, 5 assists), providing an assist in each of his last four appearances.

No Championship side has scored more goals via set-pieces (inc. pens) than Preston North End this season (16).

Match officials:

Referee: JEREMY SIMPSON
Assistants: Michael George and Robert Hyde
Fourth Official : Sam Purkiss