Bluebirds Vs Owls: Team news

Last updated : 19 December 2008 By C. Morris

An away day at Ninian Park is never the easiest of fixtures at the best of times but with the Owls squad running close to being down to the bare bones a positive result would be a great achievement in the final game before Christmas.

Wednesday are already definitely without the likes of Akpo Sodje, Frank Simek, Jermaine Johnson and Etienne Esajas.

Further worrying news coming out of the camp ahead of this game is that Wade Small may have been able to recover sufficiently from his eye injury in time for this game but is now struggling with illness as is Jimmy Smith.

Club Captain Steve Watson had an injection in relation to a hip problem that his been troubling him this season and is also a doubt.

If none of these players are available then youngsters Rocky Lekaj and Nathan Modest could come into the starting line-up.

The Owls are not alone in having injury problems however as Cardiff also have a couple of major concerns of their own.

Top scorer Ross McCormack is certain not to feature and loan striker Michael Chopra also faces a fitness test to determine whether he will be able to partner Jay Bothroyd in attack.

Former Aston Villa winger Peter Whittingham is also sidelined and so Wayne Routledge is expected to continue in his absence while Tony Capaldi, a virtual ever-present last season, is also unavailable.

Like Wednesday, Cardiff are in a good run of form which sees them unbeaten in their last five outings.

They are currently in 5th place in the Championship table, 4 points ahead of the Owls and have lost just twice at home this season, against Wolves and Birmingham.

Wednesday have lost two and won one of their three recent visits to Ninian Park with the winning margin in each game being just one goal.