Blackburn v Cardiff. Match preview

Last updated : 22 August 2015 By Michael Morris

Will David Marshall start for Cardiff at Blackburn tonight? Reports today suggest WBA are not meeting City's valuation of the Scotland international. Marshall is available for selection after serving a three match ban.

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Early team news:

Jordan Rhodes' ankle injury is not considered serious and the striker could even return for Blackburn against Cardiff at Ewood Park.

The Scotland international, whose pre-season was disrupted by a problem to the same area, hobbled off against his old club Huddersfield at the weekend and boss Gary Bowyer expects to see him in action either on Tuesday or against Brighton on Saturday.

Fode Koita and Nathan Delfouneso, who scored Blackburn's equaliser at the Terriers, will be in line to start if Rhodes cannot feature.

Corry Evans has been ruled out with a thigh problem, although he could be back at the weekend too, while fellow midfielder Chris Taylor (groin) is still missing.

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall could feature for the first time this season as Cardiff target an opening league win following draws against Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

Marshall, who has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to Premier League club West Brom, is now available after serving a three-game suspension.

Boss Russell Slade hinted after Saturday's clash at QPR that Marshall might be involved on Tuesday night, although it would appear that Simon Moore will continue as City's last line of defence following an impressive display in west London two days ago

"He made a couple of really important saves," Slade told walesonline.co.uk, following Moore's contribution to the point collected from Loftus Road.

 

The managers:

Gary Bowyer

"It is going to be a difficult game, if you look at the players that they have got in their squad still, they've got a lot of Premier League players.
 
"So we are aware of the challenge but it is one that we have to build on from Saturday's second half performance.
 
"It is about us and how we go about it and coming out of the traps fast and hard on Tuesday night."

 

Russell Slade

“David (Marshall) is in our squad and will be at Blackburn with us,” said Slade. “He has been training normally and is a top professional.

“He has been as good as gold during his suspension, despite speculation over an offer from West Bromwich Albion. He is focused and ready.”

 

The officials:

Referee: SCOTT DUNCAN 
Assistants: Peter Wright and Christopher Akers 
Fourth Official: Jeremy Simpson 

 

MATCH FACTS

  • Blackburn have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last seven matches versus the Bluebirds.
  • Cardiff have gone four games unbeaten against Blackburn (W2 D2); they last went five without losing in December 1961.
  • Rovers have shipped two or more goals in three of their last four games at Ewood Park, keeping a clean sheet in the other.
  • Peter Whittingham has assisted two of Cardiff's three goals so far this season.