Preview: Scunthorpe United v Cardiff City

Last updated : 12 November 2010 By Iron-Bru

Overview
Iron supporters are dreading home games at the moment, and the visit of Cardiff will do little to ease that situation. Doncaster, Leeds United and Middlesbrough were the last three league visitors to Glanford Park and all left with wins. The Bluebirds look to be tougher opponents than any of those three strengthening this summer with players such as Craig Bellamy and the former Iron forward Andy Keogh.

Iron team news
Rob Jones, the centre-back, could be back in contention after a broken hand, with Niall Canavan or Michael Raynes expected to make way. David Mirfin (foot) remains out while Jim McNulty needs to build up fitness after returning to training following an ankle injury. Garry Thompson was left out of the midweek game against Middlesbrough as he was not considered fit enough by manager Ian Baraclough, but he could come into contention. Dany N'Guessan is likely to be in the squad after joining on loan from Leicester.

Bluebirds team news
Bellamy is expected to come back into Cardiff's starting XI after being rested against Reading in midweek, with Stephen McPhail most likely to miss out. The centre-back Gabor Gyepes (hamstring), full-back Kevin McNaughton (ankle) and midfielder Danny Drinkwater (knock) are all a doubt.

Bluebirds in profile
Established: 1899
Nickname: Bluebirds
Historical achievements:  The Bluebirds' are the only non-English team to win the FA Cup, having taken the trophy to Wales in 1927. The 1920's were their glory years, spending eight seasons in the First Division - finishing second in 1923/24. They also had short spells in the top flight in the 50's and 60's, but have spent most of their time in the lower leagues - dropping into the fourth their for the first time in 1986. They have been back in the second tier since 2003 and were as close to the top flight as they could have been earlier this year when they reached the Championship play-off final. Despite taking the lead twice against Blackpool at Wembley, they were beaten 3-2. Under the guidance of the infamous Peter Ridsdale, Cardiff had racked up substantial bets while chasing promotion, including a winding-up order from Revenues & Customs, and the defeat looked like tipping them over the edge. A sale to a consortium of Malaysian businessmen, however, secured their future and prompted even greater spending - with the Wales international Craig Bellamy the highest-profile signing.
Manager: Dave Jones

Stats and figures
The Iron have the worst away form in the division, having lost their last three outings at Glanford Park - only Hull City can come close to match this home form. The Iron have won one, drawn two and lost five of their eight league matches at home. Cardiff are one of the few Championship teams with better away results than the Iron, having won five, drawn one and lost two away from the Cardiff City Stadium. The signing of Craig Bellamy grabbed the early-season headlines, but it is his strike partner Jay Bothroyd who has 13 goals to his name. By contrast, the Iron's top scorer Martyn Woolford - who is supposedly more a winger han a striker - has just six to his name.

Past meetings
North Lincolnshire has always been a happy hunting ground for Cardiff, though less son in recent years. The Iron secured a 1-1 draw last season at Glanford Park and a 3-2 in the last meeting here in April 2008.
Click here for our full record of meetings between the two sides

Ticketing
Away suppporters are hosted in the South Stand, with entrance through turnstile gates nine and 10. A shuttle bus service is provided between Reading Central railway station and the stadium.
The match is category B, meaning prices range from £20-£24 for adults, £15-17 for senior/U21s and £10 for U16s.

Referee
Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)

Betting
Scunthorpe 11/4 / Draw 9/4 / Cardiff City Evens (Paddy Power)