After the pre-match hype, the wait is finally over as Cardiff City head to arch-rivals Swansea this Saturday. If last season's meetings are anything to go by, we should be in for a cracker. Simon Glanville previews the big match at the Liberty Stadium.

Cardiff team news: Dave Jones will be without the services of Michael Chopra and Stephen McPhail for the derby clash at Swansea. Chopra is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season against Nottingham Forest last time out, while McPhail is facing a spell on the sidelines after tearing a thigh muscle in the same game. Ross McCormack is likely to come in for Chopra, while Gavin Rae will be hoping to deputise for McPhail.

Swansea team news: Other than star man Ferrie Bodde who has already been ruled out for the season, Swans' boss Paulo Sousa has a strong squad to pick from. New striker Craig Beattie is starting to find some form, while a more settled look to the team has brought a nine-game unbeaten run.

Swansea's season so far: With the departure of manager Roberto Martinez, goal scorers Jason Scotland and Jordi Gomez, and a slow start to the season, few would have thought that Swansea would have been in the top half by the time the first derby of the season came around.

But Paulo Souza, the new man at the helm at the Liberty, is starting to stamp his authority on his new look side, and Swansea will host Cardiff on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run. Swansea have let in just ten goals in the league, the second best defensive record in the division, but scoring at the other end has been a problem. They have scored just eleven goals themselves, which is the worst record in the whole division.

Last meeting: It was dramatic the last time the Bluebirds met the Swans, as two late goals saw the game swing in different directions. Nathan Dyer gave the visitors an early lead at Ninian Park, but Michael Chopra made it 1-1 shortly after the break. Youngster Joe Allen then put Swansea ahead with just two minutes remaining, but with their fans still celebrating, Ross McCormack snatched a point for 'City with an injury time penalty. Many Swans still feel aggrieved and are looking to make up for the disappointment this weekend.

Teams from last meeting at Ninian Park on 5^th April 2009:

Bluebirds: Taylor, McNaughton, Purse, Roger Johnson, Kennedy (Eddie Johnson 89), Parry (Whittingham 66), Ledley, McPhail, McCormack, Bothroyd, Chopra (Rae 81). Subs not used: Heaton, Comminges.

Swansea: De Vries, Rangel (Serran 78), Williams, Monk, Tate, Britton, Pratley, Gower (Allen 66), Gomez, Dyer (Pintado 86), Scotland. Subs not used: Bessone, Butler.

Attendance: 20156.

Swansea last time out: Swansea made it nine games unbeaten last time out with a comfortable win at Scunthorpe. Goals from James Beattie and Cedric van der Gun either side of the break clinched the three points for Paulo Souza's side, taking them into the top half for the first time this season.

Swansea: De Vries, Tate, Williams, Monk, Rangel, Britton, Pratley, Gower (Butler 39), Allen (Lopez 68), van der Gun, Beattie (Pintado 73). Subs not used: Dyer, Serran, Bessone, Trundle.

The Sky Sports cameras are already being set-up at the Liberty Stadium as the two Football League aliens get set to start what will be an eventful day in the Championship. It's the second local derby in successive days as Derby host Coventry on TV on Friday night in a match that could affect mid-table standings.

But Saturday could see a new league leader, or two Welsh teams in the top six, if only for a few hours. It's set to be another explosive afternoon - no fireworks required.

Swansea City v Cardiff City - 12:45pm, The Liberty Stadium. This match is sold-out and no tickets will be available on the day, while all Cardiff fans must travel on organized coaches. If you can't make the trip, coverage is available on Sky Sports One from 12:30pm