Cardiff City host Blackburn Rovers at 12:30 on Saturday afternoon, with the Bluebirds to continue their unbeaten start to the new year. 

Steve Morison's side started 2022 with a 1-1 draw at West Brom, before securing a spot in the next round of the FA Cup via a victory in extra time against Preston North End. 

Blackburn Rovers have been in devastating form ever since a 7-0 home defeat to Fulham, accumulating 23 points in their following nine games, without tasting defeat. 

The Lancashire club have also conceded just once in their last seven games, suggesting Cardiff will need to bring their A-game if they are to secure a positive result. 

 

 

The Bluebirds are currently four points from the relegation zone and will be hoping to make strides away from the bottom three as the season progresses. 

Here, we take a look at how Cardiff could line up for the visit of Blackburn...

Dillon Phillips was handed another chance between the sticks in Alex Smithies' absence last weekend, with the 26-year-old putting in a performance that is worthy of another start.

Ciaron Brown struggled against the Lilywhites, meaning that Mark McGuiness could be called back into the starting XI.

Curtis Nelson and Sean Morrison played well last week and they are likely candidates to start once again when Blackburn makes the trip to South Wales.

Cody Drameh could see his first start in a Cardiff shirt this weekend, with the highly-rated Leeds United loanee arriving with expectation.

With Ryan Giles returning to Wolves, at least for now, Joel Bagan should be handed a start at left wing-back.

Tom Sang could be included from the very start tomorrow, and despite being restricted to just three starts because of injury, he has shown excellent promise.

He could be partnered by the ever-combative Will Vaulks.

Isaac Davies and Rubin Colwill have been a breath of fresh air for Cardiff fans this season, with the pair bringing confidence, attacking drive and final third quality to the frontline.

Whilst Mark Harris could be tasked in a forward position, James Collins is likely to provide a senior presence for the aforementioned duo.