Cardiff City head to Pride Park for the final game of the regular league season at Derby County knowing that a play-off place is secure, but Dave Jones will want his Bluebirds to grab their Premier League opportunity with both hands by going into them in the best shape possible. Simon Glanville has the preview.
Cardiff team news: Dave Jones could rest a number of his key players as he aims to give them a break ahead of the play-offs. The likes of Peter Enckelman, Mark Hudson, Tony Capaldi, Solomon Taiwo, Warren Feeney and Aaron Wildig could start, while a number of youngsters may also be named in the squad as Jones takes no risks with his key men. Players such as Michael Chopra, Jay Bothroyd, Peter Whittingham, Joe Ledley, Stephen McPhail, Darcy Blake and Kevin McNaughton are likely to take a breather.
Derby team news: Midfielder Stephen Pearson will be missing for Derby after suffering a knee injury which will keep him out for up to four months. Stephen Davies will also miss out after undergoing ankle surgery, while striker Rob Hulse is sidelined with a groin problem.
Derby's season so far: It's been another frustrating season for Derby County fans. Expectations were high at Pride Park following the arrival of Nigel Clough, but a lack of funds and a horrendous injury list have left the Rams fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the division for much of the campaign. Thankfully for the Derby faithful, the club has done enough to secure their safety with a few games to go, but they will be hoping for a big improvement next season.
Last meeting: Derby will probably not be looking forward to this weekend's meeting after Cardiff hit them for six in South Wales at the end of September. Michael Chopra scored four but it was Peter Whittingham who opened the scoring before he set up Chopra to make it two. Rob Hulse then got the Rams back into it, but Chopra then took over by scoring another two goals to complete his hat-trick. The Bluebirds were not done there though, as further goals from Chris Burke and yet another from that man Chopra rounded off an incredible 6-1 win.
Teams from last meeting at the Cardiff City Stadium on 29th September 2009:
Bluebirds: Marshall, Gerrard, Hudson, Kennedy, Burke, Whittingham, Rae (Scimeca 86), Matthews, McPhail (Taiwo 83 ), Chopra (Magennis 89), Bothroyd. Subs not used: Quinn, Enckelman, Gyepes, Comminges.
Derby: Bywater, Leacock (McEveley 30), Moxey, Stoor, Barker, Teale, Hendrie, Savage, Croft (Pringle 69), Livermore, Hulse (Dickov 80). Subs not used: Deeney, Vaughan, Mendy.
Attendance: 18670.
Derby last time out:The Rams lost out to two Nicky Maynard goals last time out as they went down to Bristol City. The prolific Robins marksman opened the scoring when he latched onto Marvin Elliot's header and coolly finished from close-range. He doubled the hosts' advantage from the penalty spot, after being brought down in the box by Nicky Hunt. Stephen Pearson did grab a late consolation for Derby, but they once again left an away ground empty handed.
Derby: Deeney, McEveley, Hunt, Anderson (Connolly 52), Barker, Tonge, Savage, Cywka, Pearson, Porter (Martin 73), Sunu (Teale 35). Subs not used: Moxey, Pringle, Atkins.
From the Rams: Clough will take up a vantage point with the directors based on a one match touchline ban from the Football League. He was also fined £1,000 and warned as to his future conduct for being sent to the stands during the Easter Monday defeat against Ipswich at Pride Park.
Former Welsh International and current Derby skipper Robbie Savage was confirmed as the Rams Player of the season on Thursday night. Savage was named based on a panel including sports journalists, the Derby coaching staff and the head of the supporters club.
The club has also appealed to all supporters to stay off the pitch following the match on Sunday. Derby players will be returning to the field to show their appreciation to the Pride Park fans after the final whistle.
