Newcastle v Cardiff.(Friday 5 Feb)

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Newcastle v Cardiff

Friday, 5 February 2010

Championship

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Newcastle v Cardiff 19:45

Venue: St James' Park Date: Friday, 5 February 2010 Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score & highlights on The Football League Show

TEAM NEWS
Leon Best is set to make his Newcastle debut following the striker's pre-deadline move from Coventry City.

Danny Simpson (ankle) and Shola Ameobi (shoulder) are set to return to the squad, but Joey Barton is not yet ready to return following a foot injury.

Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Joe Ledley is also sidelined following a hip operation, so Peter Whittingham is expected to move to central midfield for the Bluebirds.


MATCH PREVIEW
Fourth-placed Cardiff are looking to continue their impressive recent run by ending the only unbeaten home record in the Championship - a win that would propel the Bluebirds back into the race for automatic promotion.

If anyone is capable of beating Newcastle at St James' Park this season, Cardiff look well equipped to do so. They are unbeaten in eight matches, have won their last four, and are the division's highest goalscorers away from home, having netted 30 goals in 14 matches on the road.

They will be hoping for inspiration from Geordie Michael Chopra, who started his career with Newcastle. Chopra has scored 14 league goals for the Welsh club this season - and three in his last two matches.

Cardiff face a side whose win against Crystal Palace in their last home match is their only victory in their last five outings. But the leaders are still unbeaten in 14 matches and remain on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.


MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• The last match between these two clubs - which Newcastle won 1-0 - was their 50th competitive meeting.

• The Magpies have won their last five league matches against Cardiff.

• Cardiff have scored only three goals in six losing visits to St James' Park since a 4-0 triumph in November 1963.

Newcastle

• Newcastle have lost fewer games (three) and conceded fewer goals (16) than any other Championship team this season.

• If selected, striker Shola Ameobi will make his 200th league appearance for the club.

Cardiff

• The home defeat by Plymouth on Boxing Day is Cardiff's only loss in nine league games.

• Victory would see Dave Jones' side win three consecutive Championship matches for the second time this season.

• Five of Cardiff's seven away wins this season have been against teams in the top half of the table.


MOST RECENT MEETING

Cardiff 0-1 Newcastle (13 September 2009)

Newcastle scorer: Coloccini 18