Cardiff v Millwall. Match preview

Last updated : 31 March 2012 By Michael Morris

Last night Birmingham City won 3 - 1 at Doncaster and jumped into 4th place. Only a 14 nil win for Cardiff today would take City above Birmingham but it's crucial that Cardiff can get a win that sees them keep pace with Chris Hughton's side and keeps City in the mix of teams challenging for play off places.

The optimist says we've only lost one in the last six games but when four of those games were draws you see where points have been leaking away.

Cardiff have players fit again. Kenny Miller is likely to start today and Filip Kiss, Rudy Gestede and Steve McPhail are all available.

The boss is staying calm and focussed.

“Nerves in this type of situation are not something which affect me," said Malky Mackay.

“I’ve been through it plenty of times as a player and since I moved into coaching and management.

“We have good experience within our staff group and around the squad.

“You know your profession, you know your job.

“Everybody knows how we want to face the matches we have ahead of us. It’s about staying calm and focused.

“Many have been through this before and, while a few haven’t, the message is clear.

“Our job is to focus on the game in front of us each step along the way.

“We won’t be looking to other games or how other teams may be doing until we have completed each match.

“Our entire focus will be on how to beat the team in front of us every step along the way between now and the end of this season.”

Early team nerws from Sporting Life:

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has no new injury or suspension worries as he prepares his team to face Millwall in the Championship.

Mackay, whose side have drawn each of their last three matches, could hand Kenny Miller a return to his starting XI.

The Scottish striker came off the bench in the 1-1 stalemate with Birmingham at St Andrew's after shrugging off a minor ankle injury and will challenge Joe Mason for a place up front.

Miller has not scored in any of his last 13 outings for the Bluebirds, but the 32-year-old is likely to lead the line against the Lions.

Midfielder Stephen McPhail has featured in Cardiff's last three matches following his return from illness and is set to start once more this weekend.

Millwall will, meanwhile, be without Nick Montgomery for the trip to Cardiff.

The veteran midfielder, on loan from Sheffield United, might be forced to return to Bramall Lane after suffering a calf injury during the defeat to Leeds last Saturday which could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Shane Lowry returned to the bench for the visit of Leeds after missing four matches with an ankle knock and will be pushing for a return to the starting line-up against the promotion-chasing Bluebirds.

Striker Shaun Batt is available for selection after returning from a loan spell at Crawley and could feature for the first time since January.

Liam Trotter (thigh) and Tamika Mkandawire (knee) remain on the sidelines.