Friday, December 12, 2008

Jay Set To Play ... but so is McPhail


As Cardiff City fly to Ipswich later today ahead of tomorrow's clash at Ipswich, positive pre-game news has emerged as Jay Bothroyd's knee ligaments injury which saw him limp out of Tuesday's game at Burnley after creating one goal and scoring another, are not believed to be as serious as feared. Final tests will take place but all signs are that Jay will partner Chops up front, a signinifcant boost for City.


However further signals which will please some and displease others - suggest that Steve McPhail will return to the mix as skipper and alongside Gavin Rae - with Joe Ledley returning to left side of midfield and Paul Parry back on the bench.


Few would argue that City have looked more fluid in central midfield with Ledley and Rae, the Rae/McPhail combo rarely convincing all season long - while the wide men in the recent sahpe of Parry and Routledge have seen their best service and produced outstanding displays. Cardiff picking up 4 points without McPhail against key rivals, and it could/should easily have been all 6, is a telling factor too.


Why change what's working? Why drop players who are performing?


A return to the tried and tested would be typical of Dave Jones but does it really get the best out of City? It's a big call but we'll find out tomorrow.


Meantime, Ipswich's pre-game plans are on hold too as key centre-half Alex Bruce, son of Steve, appeals against an instant red card in Town's 3-1 midweek victory over fast falling (ain't it great!?) Brizzle Zity.


If successful, he plays. If not, he gets a 4 game ban starting against Cardiff. Video evidence suggests it was harsh but we'll see how it goes.

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