Cardiff v Ipswich - Road Trip

I’m on the road today and so ill keep this sort. However, I will attempt to update it this evening (UK time).

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I’m back down to South Wales tomorrow evening to watch the televised clash between Cardiff and Ipswich.

Cardiff could leap frog Swansea into the second automatic promotion spot if they win. In fact even if they draw and their neighbours lose by two goals away at strugglers Scunthorpe, they still might end the day with the bragging rights.

But Dave Jones’s boys need to concentrate on whoever they face on the day and not worry about any other team. And on the day tomorrow, the Tractor Boys are in town.

Ipswich under Roy Keane had a horrendous start to the season, but new boss Paul Jewell has seen them win five and draw two of the eleven games since he took over. These wins include a six goal trashing of Doncaster, but they have only managed one point in the three games since then.

This fixture isn’t a formality for Cardiff by any means though. Ipswich certainly still need some more points to ensure Championship safety and the players will all be playing for their futures knowing that Jewell will be shaping a new squad in the summer.

Jewell has confirmed that midfielder Colin Healy is set to miss the game, but said:

“Colin is our only injury. He will not be able to play at Cardiff due to a slight tear in his stomach.”

Blackburn keeper Jason Brown, 28, has joined Cardiff on a one-month deal and may well figure tomorrow given that Tom Heaton, David Marshall and Jordan Santiago are all carrying injuries.

Brown joined Rovers in 2006 following a five-year spell with Gillingham but has made less than 20 appearances for the Barclays Premier League outfit.

Stephen Bywater, 29, has also joined te Bluebirds from Derby County as cover for their goalkeeping crisis, but could be recalled to Pride Park on 24 hour notice should anything happen to first choice Frank Fielding.

I’ve only seen Cardiff play twice this season, but on both occasions they won (against Swansea and Scunny) with late goals. They look as if they really want this promotion and I think that if any manager in the Championship deserves success, it’s Dave Jones.

Jones was runner up to Swansea chief Brendan Rodgers for the Manager of the Month award announced today, but will still be hoping for the last laugh come the end of the season.