Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Dominic Booth

The Cardiff City v Chelsea team news you can expect with two Bluebirds expected to be fit

After a three-week break, Cardiff City will be back in action on Sunday when they meet Chelsea.

It's been an agonising wait for Bluebirds fans to see the Premier League relegation scrap resume, that 2-0 win over West Ham United last time out seeming an age ago.

But the battle with the Blues is the start of a frenetic run-in for Neil Warnock's side, who have eight games in six weeks between now and the end of the season to determine their fate.

Joe Bennett and Victor Camarasa both hobbled off during the West Ham victory, suffering with a hamstring strain and cramp respectively.

But both are expected to return to face Chelsea, although Sol Bamba (cruciate) and Jazz Richards (hamstring) remain long-term injury absentees.

Bennett confirmed he was in good shape in a recent interview and added: "We think we've got a chance against the majority of teams, especially if we're on our game at home.

"Chelsea have not been in great form this season but I mean they're still an unbelievable team with some really good players.

"The gaffer is going into that game thinking we can get a result.

"If we can perform like we did against West Ham against Chelsea, we'll have a great chance."

Warnock will deliberate whether to bring back Joe Ralls, Kenneth Zohore or Bobby Decordova-Reid into his side, but will likely make minimal changes to his winning side — despite the three-week break. He could actually name an unchanged side, with Callum Paterson a doubt having picked up an injury on Scotland duty.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could have Ruben Loftus-Cheek available for selection after the midfielder pulled out of England international duty with a back problem.

Reserve full-back Davide Zappacosta is a doubt, while fringe players Ethan Ampadu and Marco van Ginkel are out long term.

Ross Barkley starred for the Three Lions in victories over Czech Republic and Montenegro and could start for the visitors in the Sunday 2.05pm kick off at Cardiff City Stadium. Callum Hudson-Odoi is also pushing for a starting berth.

The tactical tweak Cardiff City must make to surprise Chelsea and break unwanted Premier League record  

Expected Cardiff City lineup: Etheridge; Peltier, Manga, Morrison, Bennett; Gunnarsson, Arter, Camarasa; Hoilett, Murphy, Niasse.

Expected Chelsea lineup: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso; Jorginho, Kante, Barkley; Hazard, Pedro, Higuain.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.