' TEAM NEWS: CARDIFF CITY v BRIGHTON ' MATCH THREAD

After Last Night

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Cardiff City face yet another testing game against a side flying high in the Championship this afternoon.

Chris Hughton's Brighton will go top of the table with a win today after Newcastle United lost to Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

For the Bluebirds, points are needed to avoid a gap opening up at the bottom of the table.

Lee Peltier is suspended but otherwise Cardiff are likely to go with a similar side to that which has played in the seven games under Neil Warnock so far.

You can get the breaking team news and live updates throughout the game below.

Glenn Murray the one to watch

He has yet to score away from home this season (all 11 of his goals coming at the Amex) but there’s no doubt Neil Warnock sees him as the danger man today.

Here’s what Warnock had to say about Murray

I only saw him for two or three sessions when he asked to go, that was one of my biggest mistakes there, I knew that within two weeks.
We needed him within three weeks, he’d have been playing, but I let him go for family, etc.

Neil Warnock has only ever lost once in 7 games against Brighton, that was in 2005.

The return of the former boss...

Strange game football.

Paul Trollope returns to the Cardiff City Stadium dug-outs today just days after joining up with Chris Hughton at Brighton.

Neil Warnock hailed his predecessor and credited it him with bringing his managerial career back to life.

Cardiff team announced

Amos, Connolly, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Gunnarsson, Ralls, Whittingham, Harris, Hoilett, Gounongbe.

Cardiff team announced

Amos, Connolly, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Gunnarsson, Ralls, Whittingham, Harris, Hoilett, Gounongbe.

No Lambert at all, doesn't fill me with confidence having Fred up front I must say, but we haven't got many options at the moment. Come on Fred, prove me wrong and have a blinder.

I'd be happy with a draw here though.

Cardiff team announced

Amos, Connolly, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Gunnarsson, Ralls, Whittingham, Harris, Hoilett, Gounongbe.

No Lambert at all, doesn't fill me with confidence having Fred up front I must say, but we haven't got many options at the moment. Come on Fred, prove me wrong and have a blinder.

I'd be happy with a draw here though.

BENCH | Wilson, Manga, Richardson, Noone, Pilkington, Chamakh & Zohore.

Cardiff team announced

Amos, Connolly, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Gunnarsson, Ralls, Whittingham, Harris, Hoilett, Gounongbe.

No Lambert at all, doesn't fill me with confidence having Fred up front I must say, but we haven't got many options at the moment. Come on Fred, prove me wrong and have a blinder.

I'd be happy with a draw here though.

Lambert injured

We’re hearing that Rickie Lambert is INJURED. He is not in the matchday squad of 18. While it’s a first start under Warnock for Freddie Gounongbe. Looks like Harris and Hoilett on the wings as a front three. Three changes in all for Cardiff, as Connolly replaces Peltier at right back as expected.

Minute's silence

We will now hold a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the plane crash in Colombia, which claimed the lives of 19 Chapecoense players earlier this week.A tragedy that reverberated around the world.




Kick off

Perfectly observed minute’s silence. Now time to get going!

We are underway at @cardiffcitystad! (0-0)

its All Brighton at the moment, two attacks

Gounongbe v Dunk

It’s one of Cardiff’s most frustrating forwards going up against one of the Championship’s better centre halves, Lewis Dunk. Could be a long afternoon for Freddie unless he can craft an early chance for himself. Connolly sends in an early free kick which drops to Hoilett, who curls wide.

Cardiff attacking

went no where

Direct visitors

Already mayhem in the Bluebirds’ defence. They fail to clear a couple of times as Brighton play it forward directly. Baldock and Murray will be a nuisance, you suspect.

Gunnarsson shot

First run down the right for Harris after a decent interception. It’s back to Gunnarsson who fashions himself a shot. Easily saved by Stockdale.

Decent start for Cardiff

Gounongbe wins his first aerial dual and lays it off well to Bennett. Cardiff then tiptoe forward and Whittingham then curls his effort well over the bar. Small signs of promise for the Bluebirds.

Scrappy

Ball is bouncing freely around at the moment. Neither side able to bring it under control for a long period. Brighton already look pretty reliant on that front pair I spoke about. I want to see more of Dale Stephens in midfield, but nothing from him yet.

Brighton chance

Almost a gift. Cardiff squander possession in their own box and it nearly drops to Glenn Murray for a tap in. Fortunately for Cardiff, Skalak’s cross evaded the veteran front man. First sight of goal for Brighton.

Defensive slip almost gives Brighton a clear sight of goal but Baldock fails to find Murray in the box. (0-0)

Hosts edging it

Another set piece for Cardiff. Another chance for Connolly to launch it into the box. Brighton scramble away but Cardiff have shown more attacking intent so far.

Wasteful

Cardiff are giving the ball away too easily so far. Neil Warnock wont be happy with that as he patrols his technical area.

But the build up at the moment is slow and the balls are going long rather than short from the Seagulls. Murray is again the target for one from Shane Duffy (remember him, Bluebirds fans? Of course you do!)

Frustrating

Hoilett shows some lovely feet on the left hand side of the box, but cannot craft a chance. Like Brighton, Cardiff are finding it hard to work the ball into their forwards. Gounongbe with a frustrating piece of mis-control there after a good pass by Whitts.

Hoilett tries his luck from an acute angle after a good run, but fails to find the target. (0-0)

Murphy v Connolly

Lee Peltier was always going to be a big miss. But when the pacy Jamie Murphy is running at Connolly, you worry a little. It wasn’t enough that time, as Bong’s cross was nodded clear and it’s back with Brighton. Harris then wins a cheap foul trying to begin a counter.

Nothing doing

Hit by Whittingham... blocked. Cardiff come again, Bamba playing it long for Hoilett. Too long. They just can’t unlock this Brighton defence as things stand.

Injury

Slight delay as Steve Sidwell goes down under a heavy challenge, but he’s back on now. Brighton happy to remain patient, knocking it about their back line for the time being.

Flat

There’s only one word to describe the atmosphere at CCS right now. Flat. And that’s being kind. A few jeers as the referee gives a free kick Cardiff’s way and the Brighton fans are making enough racket. Nothing for the Bluebirds’ faithful to get excited about yet.

Little happening

Trying to think of notable chances either side has had in the opening half hour... and failing. Brighton are nodding everything back. Then it goes forward, then Cardiff head it back. More like a poor game of tennis than a football match at the moment.

Not happy

It’s fair to say this guy isn’t impressed by what he’s seen so far. Nobody is Neil! Chris Hughton looks decidedly glum as well. Maybe it’s the cold December air.

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