Swans v Cardiff. Early team news

Last updated : 06 November 2009 By Michael Morris

Paulo Sousa's men are unbeaten in their last nine games, a run of results that has seen them concede just two goals.

They put that record on the line against Dave Jones' high-flyers, but Sousa is buoyed by a near clean bill of health.

Midfielder Ferrie Bodde is a long-term casualty with a knee injury, but only Albert Serran (match fitness) and Guillem Bauza are not going to be considered.

Sousa will again go with just one striker, with Craig Beattie leading the line, meaning Lee Trundle will have to settle for a place on the bench.

The two league games between the sides ended 2-2 last season, while the Swans have gone seven games unbeaten against Cardiff.

Meanwhile,Cardiff will be without Michael Chopra and Stephen McPhail while Peter Whittingham is also an injury doubt.

Eleven-goal Chopra, the Championship's leading scorer, picked up his fifth booking of the season in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest and will now miss the trip to the Liberty Stadium, meaning Ross McCormack should start his first match since mid-August.

McPhail, who was twice sent off against the Swans last season, is certain to miss out having been ruled out for around six weeks with a thigh strain sustained against Billy Davies' side. (His injury now requires surgery keeping him out for several weeks).

Whittingham, the division's second-highest scorer behind Chopra on 10, has a chance of playing as he battles to overcome a knee problem.

But while manager Dave Jones is likely to have to reshuffle his midfield and attack somewhat, he is able to keep faith with a goalkeeper and back four who have been the bedrock of a six-match unbeaten run.

Sporting Life

** In addition Cardiff are hoping Jay Bothroyd comes through training today after carrying a knock all week sustained in the game against Forest.

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