Cardiff City will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night after seeing their seven-game unbeaten run disappear before the international break.

Neil Warnock's side had assembled an impressive run of form in the run-up to their clash with the high-flying Baggies, but Slaven Bilic's men then condemned the Bluebirds to a 4-2 defeat at the Hawthorns.

This was Cardiff's third away defeat of the season following losses to Wigan and Reading, but their strong home form has helped them to 11th place at this early stage of the campaign.

Their record at the Cardiff City Stadium provides plenty of reason for optimism heading into the upcoming clash with the Owls, but Warnock will know there are also areas where his side needs to improve if they are to increase their promotion chances.

With almost a quarter of the season now gone, we now take a look at two players who are currently in fine form for Cardiff at and two players who are currently out of favour under Warnock.

Hot: Danny Ward

The 27-year-old has only made four substitute appearances for Warnock's side this term after overcoming an injury, but he has scored three goals in his last three outings to stake his claim for a starting place.

Ward scored a late equaliser following his introduction against Hull at the KCOM Stadium, while he netted a brace against West Brom during the 20 minutes he was on the pitch at the Hawthorns.

This has handed Warnock a selection dilemma in attack as he must now decide between summer signing Robert Glatzel and Ward to lead Cardiff's line. Glatzel has only managed to score two goals during his nine appearances this season so it could be the case that Ward leads the line against the Owls, while Warnock could also possibly opt for two in attack.

Hot: Marlon Pack

Pack has seen the start of his Cardiff career interrupted by an injury he suffered against Reading during his second appearance, but he has proven himself to be an excellent addition at the base of midfield since his return.

The former Bristol City man has delivered a string of fine performances where he has protected Cardiff's defensive line, while he also contributed in attack by getting on the score sheet during the 3-0 victory over QPR.

Pack also looks capable of playing in a variety of midfield combinations alongside the likes of Leandro Bacuna and Joe Ralls, so all the signs are pointing towards him being a vital player for the Welsh side this term.

Not: Will Vaulks

There was much excitement when Vaulks joined Cardiff over the summer after his stand-out midfield performances for Rotherham last term, but he has failed to establish himself in South Wales so far.

The 26-year-old has only managed to make three league appearances for the Bluebirds since his move, while his only league start came during the humiliating 3-0 defeat away at Reading.

It is unclear where Vaulks fits into Cardiff's system at the moment with Warnock having a range of central midfielders to choose from, but it is now crucial the Welshman delivers a solid performance when he is next called upon.

Not: Neil Etheridge

Etheridge was unlucky to pick up an injury on the opening day of the Championship season which kept him out of contention for six matches, but he has failed to break back into the Cardiff side following his return.

Warnock has instead opted to stick with Alex Smithies between the sticks, and this has left Etheridge out of favour at the club despite his impressive performances in the Premier League last season.

It was widely expected that Etheridge would be a key player if Cardiff were to push for promotion again this term, and the goalkeeper will surely be itching to get back into the side where he can remind Warnock of his abilities.

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