Cardiff v Blackpool preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's Championship clash between Cardiff and Blackpool at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff will once again be without summer signing Nicky Maynard.

The striker is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury he sustained in the 2-0 win over Millwall and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Craig Bellamy and Heidar Helguson were restored to the starting XI for the 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, but Maynard's absence could see Joe Mason get his first start of the season.

Manager Malky Mackay's forward options are already limited by Rudy Gestede's knee problem, although his return is more imminent.

Jordon Mutch could come into the reckoning too as he has shaken off a slight foot injury to resume training.

Midfielders Stephen McPhail (hamstring) and Kadeem Harris (ankle) are still out.

Ian Holloway may ring the changes as Blackpool look to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Huddersfield on Monday as their 100 per cent winning record at home was ruined.

With Holloway looking for a reaction, he could call on forward Matt Phillips and Spanish midfielder Angel Martinez to get his side back on track.

Blackpool finished Monday's match with four strikers on the pitch but regular substitute Kevin Phillips and youngster Nouha Dicko are likely to have to settle for a place on the bench once more.

On-loan Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso, who scored twice against Middlesbrough on his full debut, will be hopeful of retaining his place up front in a squad unaffected by injury.