The Bluebirds home record is good but the last two games have both seen 2 - 0 leads squandered to Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday.
Brentford come to CCS a point behind Cardiff as they adjust to life under new manager Dean Smith. The former Walsall boss took over on the day Brentford drew at Bolton before taking full control for the home win over MK Dons. Last Saturday the Bees drew 2 - 2 at Fulham.
Cardiff are likely to be unchanged but what can Russell Slade do to tighten up a defence that has conceded six goals in the last three games? City are unbeaten in that time but five points could so easily have been nine.
Slade's tactics have been criticised after his sides failure to see out matches when winning comfortably. There seems to be no Plan B when the opposition makes changes.
There have been calls for Bruno Manga to be recalled. Maybe off the bench as a defensive midfielder if we need to protect a lead.
The football has been more entertaining in recent weeks but at the same time frustrating as clubs pinch points from CCS with second half comebacks.
MATCH FACTS
- Cardiff have won three of their last four league games against Brentford, netting two goals in each match (L1).
- The Bees have conceded in each of their last nine against the Bluebirds, averaging two goals conceded per game in this run.
- Cardiff have had fewer shots than any other Championship side this season (164, excluding blocked efforts).
- Brentford have been beaten just once in their last 10 Championship fixtures (W6 D3).
- No player has provided more assists in the Championship this season than Alan Judge (six).
- Cardiff boast two players who have recorded five assists each - Peter Whittingham and Joe Ralls.
Officials
Referee: Simon Hooper
Linesmen: Adam Matthews and Marvyn Amphlett
Fourth Official: Stephen Martin
Cardiff v Brentford
Tuesday December 15th, ko 7:45pm