City need a result at Derby today to keep in touch with the top six. The Bluebirds are currently in 7th place, 3 points behind Birmingham in 6th and 5 points behind Derby who are 5th.
PA preview
Derby expect to have an unchanged squad when they resume Championship action against Cardiff.
The Rams have had the two-week international break to mull over the defeat to east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and those players on duty at the City Ground that night will make up the matchday squad on Saturday.
Head coach Paul Clement has plenty of options should he wish to make any changes to his starting line-up with the likes of Chris Baird, Jacob Butterfield, Tom Ince and Darren Bent vying for recalls.
Teenager Max Lowe, cover at left-back for Stephen Warnock following Craig Forsyth's season-ending knee injury, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem and will be sidelined a little longer than anticipated.
Peter Whittingham is available after suspension and Cardiff manager Russell Slade must decide whether to change a winning side after the Bluebirds beat Reading before the international break.
Whittingham was an ever-present in the league until he served a ban for picking up five bookings but Joe Ralls and Aron Gunnarsson impressed in central midfield during the 2-0 victory over the Royals a fortnight ago.
Kenwyne Jones played in Trinidad & Tobago's World Cup draw against the United States in Port of Spain on Tuesday and Slade will assess the striker in training before naming his side.
Defender Fabio de Silva (foot) and strikers Federico Macheda (back) and Idriss Saadi (hamstring) remain sidelined.
MATCH FACTS
- Derby's win in their last encounter with Cardiff in January ended a run of seven matches without a win against them (D3 L4).
- Cardiff are unbeaten in their last four trips to Derby in league competition (W2 D2).
- Peter Whittingham has scored in two of his last three appearances against Derby at the iPro Stadium.
- Derby have won their last four games on home soil keeping three clean sheets in the process.
- Cardiff have scored more headed goals this term than any other side (7). Kenwyne Jones has scored with three of his four headed shots on target this season.
- Chris Martin has scored or assisted six goals in his last eight appearances at home for Derby (five goals, one assist).
Referee:
Eddie Ilderton