by Michael Wicherek
NEIL Warnock’s Cardiff City side face ‘a big week’ starting this evening with a clash against Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield-born Warnock, a former United boss, knows his side has a challenging three games in nine days. They go up against former Swansea City manager Garry Monk’s side tonight, before Millwall in midweek and the south Wales derby a week on Sunday.
“You take them one [game] at a time but you have to say that with all the travelling involved, going up to London on Tuesday, it’s probably the toughest week we’ll have this season,” said Warnock.
“Millwall away is never easy and then likewise a local derby next weekend. They are three interesting games and you have to come up with answers.”
The Bluebirds’ contrasting home and away form has been a concern so far this season, however Cardiff remain unbeaten at the Cardiff City Stadium and will hope to go level on points with their Yorkshire opponents.
Neil Etheridge and Junior Hoilett remain side-lined, however Joe Ralls has overcome a groin problem and is in contention.
Top scorer Danny Ward could potentially start up front with summer signing Robert Glatzel, despite playing just 69 minutes of football so far this season.
Warnock will be searching for a consistent goal threat with only Ward scoring more than twice this season, so it could be his time to cement the first-choice spot.
Owls to swoop?
Opponents Sheffield Wednesday will arrive with a familiar face in tow. Kadeem Harris has started the season in excellent form, scoring twice and providing pace and power on the wing.
Both sides head into the game having scored 16 goals, however it is defensively where the discrepancies lie. The Owls have conceded seven fewer goals than Cardiff and will be confident in shutting out their south Walian rivals.
Sheffield have their own incentive; they lie just three points behind league leaders West Brom. Three points separate first and ninth in the Championship.
Form guide
Neither team has lost in their last three outings, and with Cardiff unbeaten at home that run looks unlikely to change.
Sheffield have been involved in three low scoring affairs in their last three games with just four goals being scored which points towards another low scoring contest at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Cardiff have not conceded a goal at home since August 10th and will rely on their solid home record to see them through to victory.