Cardiff City

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Iwan Roberts says Cardiff City must be wary of Hull City's sparkling away form as they prepare to face their fellow Championship strugglers on Tuesday.

Hull visit the Cardiff City Stadium in what is a game in hand on all three sides in the second tier's bottom three for both the Bluebirds and the Tigers.

Cardiff are three points and one place outside the relegation zone going into the game, with Hull above their opponents on goal difference.

Omer Riza's Cardiff are without a win in their past four matches, though they are unbeaten in five on their own ground.

But they take on a Hull side who have a far better record on their travels than they do at their own MKM Stadium this season.

"It's only three wins in 20 league games for Cardiff and they have drawn six of their last 10. That's why they are not more points clear of the bottom three," former Wales striker turned pundit Roberts told BBC Radio Wales.

"They have the game in hand at home on Tuesday. It's a massive game.

"If you look at Hull away from home, they have won four of the last five. Those wins have come at Blackburn, Millwall, Sheffield United and Sunderland on Saturday.

"So that is going to be a tough game for Omer and the boys."

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Anthony Patterson's own goal was enough to earn Hull their shock weekend triumph at Sunderland.

That was their sixth away league win this season compared to just two victories at home, one of which was in Riza's game as Cardiff boss back in September.

Cardiff head into the return fixture having secured a point at Plymouth Argyle despite losing Dimitrios Goutas to a red card early in the second half.

While Cardiff had hoped to claim victory against another of their relegation rivals, Roberts felt the draw was a positive result.

"When you look at Plymouth's form at home, that's why they have not been relegated already," he said.

"They were going into this game having won their last three at home and they'd beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup. I think it was a good point."

There's plenty at stake at the foot of the table as Cardiff welcome fellow strugglers Hull City on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT).

The Bluebirds lie 21st, one place and three points above the relegation zone, and behind the Tigers on goal difference alone - with the three sides below them having each played a game more.

The hosts are unbeaten in five home matches dating back to 21 December, though have picked up just two points from their past four Championship games, while the visitors are seeking to follow-up their eye-catching 1-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday.

• Cardiff City have lost each of their past seven league games against Hull City since a 3-0 win in July 2020. Over that stint, the Bluebirds have conceded 17 goals in total.

• Hull City have won each of their past three away league games against Cardiff City, and will be looking to win four in succession for the first time in the EFL.

• Cardiff are unbeaten in their past five home league games (W2 D3); the Bluebirds had lost four in a row at home in the Championship before this.

• Hull have lost each of their past four midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games, last losing more in succession from March 2013 to May 2014 (run of 10).

• Hull have won each of their past three Championship games against Welsh clubs, including two against Cardiff (3-1 in April 2024, 4-1 in September 2024). The Tigers last won four league games in a row versus Welsh opposition in March 2017.

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Cardiff City take on Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (12:30 GMT) in what could be a key game in their bid to avoid Championship relegation.

The Bluebirds are three points above the drop zone after no league win in three.

And they travel to Home Park with the Pilgrims – currently bottom but one and level on points with 22nd-placed Derby - enjoying a resurgence in form.

It's a big test for manager Omer Riza, so we asked for views on who should feature – including whether striker Yousef Salech deserved a first start after his point-saving goal against Bristol City.

And after Aaron Ramsey come off the bench to make a big impact in the Severnside derby, is this the moment for the Wales captain to start a Championship game for the first time since August?

Here's a selection of your views:

John: I would start Salech against Plymouth & play Callum Robinson as a 10. What was noticeable against Bristol City was a lack of presence in the box. I'd start with Ramsey on the bench & bring him on later as the game becomes fragmented. Keep it tight to start with & then go for it

Geoffrey: Playing Robinson who is five foot nothing against a 6ft-plus twin centre-halves in the Bristol game was madness. Salech coming on showed the naivety of the manager.

Ivor: Salech should now be given a start. A striker who cost £3m-4m should not be kept as a substitute. Rubin Colwill has shown his tricky play can cause problems for any opponent. Sadly the brilliant Aaron Ramsey is accident prone can give very little help now.

Mike: Start Salech, it's a no brainer - we need all the goals we can get.

Charlie: Start them both. Must-win game and they will both worry Plymouth just by being on the pitch.

Andrew: Why can't Robinson and Salech play together? I would play both of them

Franco: I'd like to see them start with Salech and Robinson playing at 10. Ramsey can sit in behind them, and then build a team around that spine.

Big Lynd: Of course Salech MUST start. To buy a striker in the January window and leave him on the bench is criminal. He has shown in cameos that he can score goals and to play Robinson next to Salech is obvious to me. We leak goals so it is imperative to score more!

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Liam: Salech has to start for me. Robinson was in terrific form but has dropped off a little bit. Salech has made an impact every time he's come on - to have that physicality from the get-go will be essential in my opinion.

Luke: Salech has been outstanding at being in the right place for crosses and he deserves a start. Ramsey was on fire and looked like what the fans wanted, creating the chance for Salech, spreading the play. If he is fit enough, start him at 8.

Carter: Salech definitely has to start, as does Cian Ashford. Defences hate it when opposing players have pace, and this pair both do. My son and I were both there when Ramsey made his debut for Cardiff, so we're big fans. If he's fit, play him every time, but obviously manage his game-time. We must be on the attack from the beginning, show no fear.

Ian: Yes Salech should start along with Ramsey, use Robinson as a false nine. We have to win this match at all costs, we need to go at Plymouth from the start. If he picks a team like the starting XI against Pompey, we will lose.

Blue: As much as I love Ramsey, he is a spit of the player he once was and better to leave him to the bench and release him as soon as possible. Time for a new generation to take us back towards the top of the table.

Cian: Ramsey and Salech are both ready - I think they should start.

Robin: Salech is a find, a great g, three goals and points every time. But, Robinson can score goals as well. It's the goals we are giving away that is our problem. Easy goals we should be defending!!

Richie: Salech to definitely start alongside Robinson and also start Ramsey, play Alves and drop Ng from the starting XI.

Gary: Salech should start, his goals per game ratio is great and he provides an option to go long into him to hold up and win flick-ons. Colwill should also start at 10 in a 4-4-2 as our 4-3-3 leaks goals!

Mark: Surely starting Salech and maybe bring him off an hour instead of bringing him on to chase the game makes more sense.

Anon: Rambo (Ramsey) doesn't have the legs to start, but he does have the head to win the game. Bring him on at 60-70 minutes to terrify their tired defence.

Alex: Start the best players! Of course Salech should start. Cardiff need goals and points!

Yousef Salech was again Cardiff City's late hero after he snatched a point against Bristol City.

Salech's 90th minute effort was enough to earn the Bluebirds a draw in the Severnside derby, celebrating his first goal at Cardiff City Stadium.

The 23-year-old, who also scored in the FA Cup fourth round shootout win at Stoke City, had previously scored at the death at Millwall to earn a point.

After arriving in January from Swedish side Sirius for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be between £3m and £4m, the striker says he is getting used to the demands of the Championship.

But after seven substitute appearances, is he now ready for a start as Cardiff travel to take on relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Saturday?

If he does, who makes way? Is it time, instead, for Wales captain Aaron Ramsey to return to the starting XI in a league game after swinging the momentum Cardiff's way from the bench against Bristol City?

Who would you like to see Omer Riza start in a key game for the Bluebirds' bid to ease away from relegation worries?

Have your say here, external

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Cardiff City are waiting to discover the extent of a groin injury to club captain Joe Ralls.

The midfielder missed Saturday's 1-1 Championship draw with Bristol City after sustaining the injury during last Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth.

"After the Portsmouth game he had a groin strain so we're managing him," said Cardiff manager Omer Riza.

"He's been on the grass, not training. We're just seeing how bad it is and hopefully it won't be too long."

Cardiff were also without defender-turned-midfielder Calum Chambers for the Bristol City draw because of illness but he is expected to make a swift recovery.

The Bluebirds' next fixture is away at relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle next Saturday.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza praised the impact of Aaron Ramsey as his "sublime" contribution on his Championship return helped rescue a draw against Bristol City.

Ramsey came on during the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw to make his first league appearance for the Bluebirds since August after a hamstring injury.

With the Bluebirds trailing 1-0 in the 90th minute, the 34-year-old played a delicate through ball to fellow substitute Cian Ashford, whose low cross was converted by another replacement, Yousef Salech.

"It was a sublime . We know that's the quality he's got," said Riza.

"It wasn't the only one, he made three or four es like that, which were key opportunities. That's what he's good at and when the game opened up a little bit and we introduced him into the game, it was a perfect time for him."

Ramsey had made his comeback from injury by starting last Saturday's FA Cup win at Stoke City but sat out Tuesday's Championship defeat at Portsmouth.

"Aaron was ready to play," Riza explained when he was asked why Ramsey was on the bench against Bristol City.

"He played in the Stoke game, which was his first game back. He didn't play at Portsmouth because he can't, and probably ain't going to go Saturday/Tuesday ever.

"So playing Saturday to Saturday is something that will probably happen with Aaron but today was just selection and was my decision.

"I knew what he'd give us coming onto the pitch when the game opened up a little bit and he did that. So that was very pleasing for me. Aaron was probably disappointed he wasn't playing.

"But again, it's how you deal with disappointment and he dealt with it really well. He came on and showed character, leadership and quality to boot."

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Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says his side will "take the game" to Bristol City on Saturday (12:30 GMT) as the Bluebirds look to boost their Championship survival prospects.

Despite losing just two of their last 11 games, Cardiff are only two points outside the second-tier drop zone.

"We're focused on what we need to do," Riza told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's an important game. We know we need to be better. We have the capability to do well. The boys are up for it - they know how important it is.

"They'll be up for it as well, but we're at home and we will take the game to them. We'll look to hurt them where we can."

Midfielder Joe Ralls is likely to feature having moved into the Bluebirds' top 10 all-time appearance list having played in the midweek defeat at Portsmouth.

"It gives me massive pride," Ralls told BBC Sport Wales.

"There are some unbelievable names in there, some that I know very well and some not so well, a little bit before my time.

"It's just fantastic to be alongside some of those greats that have played for the club. I'm in illustrious company and really proud to be in there."

Leah Bower

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Joe Ralls says Cardiff City are facing a "massive" spell in their season as they attempt to pull clear of the Championship relegation scrap.

The Bluebirds are 20th in the table and only two points out of the drop zone.

With only six points between 18th-placed Portsmouth and bottom-club Luton Town, the battle at the bottom is compelling.

Cardiff host Bristol City in the Severnside derby on Saturday (12:30 GMT) before fixtures against fellow strugglers Plymouth and Hull.

"I think all the teams that are down there, including us, want to try and get to the next pack in that sort of mid-table, which is not too far away," Cardiff skipper Ralls told BBC Sport Wales.

"There are some good sides that are really fighting and trying to pick up points and we're in that category as well.

"We've got massive games coming up where we need to get a couple of points and pull ourselves away from that area. We're in the crunch now."

Cardiff have suffered two league defeats so far in February, but Ralls believes the club's January additions will help Omer Riza's side in the weeks eahd.

"Will [Alves] looks really, really sharp," he said.

"Sivert [Mannsverk] as well has settled in really well. They're going to be a massive part of it and we've got a big squad when everyone's fit.

"That will only be a benefit for us, especially with the games coming through thick and fast."

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Kion Etete's difficult season is continuing at Bolton Wanderers after the on-loan Cardiff City striker suffered a thigh injury which could keep him out for five weeks.

Etete signed a new Cardiff deal last month before ing Bolton for the remainder of the season.

But after playing only 23 minutes in Bolton colours – as a substitute at Reading earlier this month – the 23-year-old is facing another spell on the sidelines.

Etete made only one Cardiff appearance this season, in the FA Cup at Sheffield United, after a serious hamstring injury.

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Cardiff City will travel to Villa Park for their FA Cup fifth-round tie with Aston Villa on Friday, 28 February (20:00 GMT).

Two Cardiff Championship fixtures will be moved as a result of the Villa tie, which will be shown live on ITV.

The Bluebirds will now face Hull City on Tuesday, 25 February, 2025 (19:45 GMT) at Cardiff City Stadium, with that game brought forward 24 hours because the Villa match is being played on Friday.

The Hull fixture had originally been scheduled for the cup's fourth-round weekend.

Cardiff will host Burnley on Tuesday, 4 March (19:45 GMT), with that game switched from its original 1 March date.

Cardiff boss Omer Riza says his side's cup success has caused a scheduling headache.

"Of course one more game doesn't help as there are a lot of games already in the league," Riza told BBC Sport Wales.

"But we are in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The fans enjoyed their day [at Stoke in round four] and they will enjoy the game that is coming.

"We have to deal with it. It gives us less recovery time, but it is what it is."