Cardiff City welcome relegated side Bolton Wanderers this afternoon in a game they must win if they have any hope of slipping into the play-offs.

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The Bluebirds have taken their foot off the gas in recent weeks with disappointing defeats to Fulham and Brentford.

Russell Slade’s men lie in 7th place in the Championship, but another slip up would all but end their hopes of the top six.

They are six points behind Sheffield Wednesday and the South Wales side will be hoping that Derby offer them a lifeline in the lunch-time kick off.

Bolton’s season is over and whatever the result, they will finish bottom of the table.

However, Bolton interim manager Jimmy Phillips will hoping the players play for pride and enjoy their final three games of their Championship campaign.

A win for Cardiff could move them within three points of Sheffield Wednesday, prior to Wednesday slipping up to Derby, while victory for Bolton could be their first since defeating Rotherham United on the 6th February.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies THREE things to look out for in the game..

1) Cardiff can’t afford to slip up

It was going so well for Russell Slade’s side, but a slump of form has seen them slide away from the top six.

They are winless in their last four Championship affairs and should have beaten sides like Brentford and QPR.

It’s been the same old story for the Bluebirds this season, and typify the phrase “so close but yet so far.”

Cardiff must secure the points this afternoon and all eyes will be on the early kick off between Derby and Sheffield Wednesday. If Wednesday beat Derby, that’s game over for Cardiff’s play off hopes.

2) Bruno Manga could be involved after malaria scare

Cardiff defender Bruno Ecuele Manga has resumed training following a bout of malaria and could be involved for the visit of Bolton.

The Gabon centre-back was discharged from hospital earlier this week and might make the Bluebirds' bench after missing the last two games.

Cardiff could have done with Manga over the past few weeks, as he has really been a big miss for the Welsh side.

His form before his illness was excellent and Cardiff will have a fight on their hands to keep the Gabon international in the summer amid strong interest from Premier League sides.

3) Could the appointment of Townsend have a significant impact on Bolton?

Bolton took the decision to appoint Sky Sports pundit Andy Townsend in a consultancy role this week.

Townsend has a broad knowledge of the football industry, but many have questioned why the board has brought him to the club.

It is understood the 52-year-old former Republic of Ireland midfielder has arrived at the Macron Stadium as an adviser to the new takeover regime.

Townsend will be in charge of finding a permanent successor to Neil Lennon while shaping their squad for a campaign in League One.

Townsend will be scouting out the current Bolton players to see who should be in the plans and who is willing to drop down into League One.

Cardiff and Bolton fans…What is your score prediction? Does a loss for Cardiff end their play off hopes? Will a strong finish for Bolton give them momentum for next season? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!