Cardiff City hope to continue push up the table as they take on Blackpool

Cardiff City will hope to continue their recent form this weekend with victory over an injury-hit Blackpool side at what looks set to be a windy and blustery Cardiff City Stadium.

The Seasiders have received encouraging news about the injury to skipper Marvin Ekpiteta, who suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s defeat to AFC Bournemouth. Coming on the back of an injury to fellow centre-back Richard Keogh, this could have been a significant blow for Neil Critchley’s side.

However, the signs are that the injury may not be as bad as first thought and the former Leyton Orient defender may force his way into contention for the clash in South Wales. Blackpool will still be without Chris Maxwell and James Husband who are still injured.

Blackpool sit in mid-table with a string of inconsistent recent results behind them. They seem a little too far off the pace to really worry the promotion chasers and are well clear of relegation. If Critchley must blood new faces to cope with his injuries, then he may be grateful that he is not embroiled in a battle for vital points against a revitalised and confident Cardiff City side.

The Bluebirds have undergone a mini-revival of late, with four league wins out of five. Last week’s 2-1 defeat away to Millwall produced a blot on manager Steve Morison’s scorecard.

A few more wins should secure Championship football next term after a season which has occasionally brought nervous glances over the shoulder at the relegation places.

Morison will hope to be well clear of the drop zone before his men welcome local rivals Swansea City to the Welsh capital on April 2nd.

For the home side, young defender Joel Bagan will be chomping at the bit to cross the whitewash and face the tangerine visitors.

The 20-year-old wing-back poked home a true poacher’s goal from close range to give the Bluebirds late hope at the Den last week, before curling in a gem of a finish to set up a victory against visiting Coventry City in midweek.

Young Wales star Rubin Colwill could feature for the home side following a goal-scoring performance at Anfield in the FA Cup recently. Mark Harris will also look to add to his midweek goalscoring exploits as, for once, the Bluebirds have exciting options capable of finding the net.

Morison has faced criticism for hauling off striker Max Watters early in that clash but can point to the final score as a vindication of his actions.

His success in the transfer window and the careful introduction of young players could give the Bluebirds hierarchy food for thought as to his long-term prospects of securing the Cardiff hot seat.

Former Bluebird Gary Madine will be hoping for a chance to show the South Wales public what he is made of if he makes an appearance.

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