Blackpool v Cardiff preview
Last Updated: September 16, 2011 11:32am
Eardley (left): Could return for Seasiders
Team news ahead of Saturday's Championship clash between Blackpool and Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway could call on defender Neal Eardley.
The Wales international recently underwent surgery on a badly dislocated finger but played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Middlesbrough in midweek.
He now looks set to come into contention to face the Bluebirds but left-back Stephen Crainey will hope to be available again after he missed last weekend's 2-0 home win over Ipswich due to illness.
Matt Hill deputised for the Scot while recent signings Daniel Bogdanovic and James Hurst may again be forced to settle for a place on the bench.
The Seasiders have collected 11 points from their opening six games and Holloway said: "I'm happy with what we've done so far."
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay will not risk new signing Ben Turner, despite the defender getting through a 75-minute stint for the club's development squad in midweek.
Turner, who has not played first-team football for more than 10 months, is recovering from ligament damage.
The £750,000 capture from Coventry had an operation in May and is closing in on a return to full fitness.
"I'd love to be involved in the Championship squad as soon as possible, but there's no point taking the risk of rushing back too quickly," Turner told the Western Mail.
"After such a long time out, I have to make sure I am completely ready."
Otherwise, there are no new injury problems for Mackay.
Matches
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npower Championship
Table
npower Championship
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 46 | 87 |
| 2 | Hull City | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Watford | 46 | 77 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove Albion | 46 | 75 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 46 | 72 |
| 6 | Leicester City | 46 | 68 |
| 7 | Bolton Wanderers | 46 | 68 |
| 8 | Nottingham Forest | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Charlton Athletic | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Derby County | 46 | 61 |
| 11 | Burnley | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Birmingham City | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Leeds United | 46 | 61 |
| 14 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Blackpool | 46 | 59 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 59 |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 58 |
| 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 58 |
| 19 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 58 |
| 20 | Millwall | 46 | 56 |
| 21 | Barnsley | 46 | 55 |
| 22 | Peterborough United | 46 | 54 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Bristol City | 46 | 41 |
