Cardiff v Crewe

Lennie Lawrence can welcome back striker Alan Lee from suspension to partner Cameron Jerome in attack after their recent goal drought which has frustrated the Cardiff manager.

Lawrence has several injury problems with Tony Warner (broken thumb), Gary Croft (knee), Andy Campbell (calf) and Paul Parry (hamstring) all missing, as is striker Peter Throne who is still out with a hamstring problem.

Following a poor run of form Cardiff now find themselves level on points with the drop zone with this game described as a “must win” affair if they are to survive in the Championship this season.

Cardiff City have only performed averagely at home, winning 3 and losing 2 of their last six. These games have seen the Bluebirds score just 6 goals, though they have conceded 3.

The away form of Crewe Alexandra isn’t great, picking up just 2 draws from their last 6 games. The Railwaymen have conceded 15 goals in these games, and only scored 3.

Cardiff City are hovering perilously just above the relegation zone, with 41 points from 37 matches. Crewe find themselves struggling down in 17th position in the league having picked up 44 points from their 38 matches.

The reverse fixture this season saw the sides battle out a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the season as a Mike Hugdon goal 5 minutes from time stopped Cadiff going home with all 3 points, after John Robinson and Alan Lee had put Cardiff ahead despite going behind to a Dean Ashton penalty in the opening minutes of the match.