Cardiff v Watford

Last updated : 20 March 2010 By BBC Sport

Watford winger Will Buckley is pushing for a Hornets debut after recovering from his thigh injury.

Buckley, signed from League Two side Rochdale in January, staked his claim for a first-team place by scoring in a reserve match in midweek.

MATCH PREVIEW

Cardiff have had problems on and off the pitch but a win on Sunday would be a huge boost to their bid to secure a place in the top flight.

They have been hugely reliant on 20-goal midfielder Peter Whittingham, who is set to make his 100th league start for the club.

While the Bluebirds are trying to get out of the Championship, Malky Mackay's Watford side are battling to stay in it.

The Hornets' midweek win against fellow strugglers Ipswich was a potentially crucial victory. It also ended an alarming run of four consecutive defeats.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Cardiff and Watford have each won 16 of the 41 league meetings between these clubs since 1931.

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• The Bluebirds won at Watford earlier this season for the first time in 39 years and are now looking for the club's first league double over them since the 1934/35.

Cardiff

• Cardiff have won two of their last four matches, but lost four of the last six.

• The Bluebirds have opened the scoring in 21 of their 36 league games this season, and scored 34 of their 59 Championship goals before half-time.

• They are yet to register a goalless draw in the league this season.

• Tony Capaldi, an unused substitute midweek, is hoping for his 200th career league appearance.

Watford

• Watford have won only three of their last 15 league matches and have not won in 11 away league games.

• Of the Hornets' 46 league goals this season, seven have been scored in stoppage time.

• Danny Graham is two shy of 50 career league goals.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Watford 0-4 Cardiff (3 October 2009)

Cardiff scorers: Whittingham (pen) 24, 66, Matthews 41, Bothroyd 67.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport