Cardiff City and Aston Villa square off on Wednesday evening in what is their first keep-busy fixture during the World Cup break.
The match is being played in memory of former Bluebirds and Villa player Peter Whittingham, who passed away in March 2020 at the age of 35.
Match preview
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With back-to-back Premier League wins over Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Unai Emery would have wanted to continue playing rather than encounter a World Cup break.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard can now take his time when it comes to settling into life in the West Midlands ahead of what stands to be another busy period at the turn of the year.
Villa have just four players participating at the World Cup, allowing the remainder of the squad to get used to Emery's methods during their upcoming friendlies.
As well as the meaningful friendly on Wednesday, Villa are also due to travel to the Middle East where they will play Chelsea, before hosting Villarreal in a game which will be staged on December 15.
Having been eliminated from the EFL Cup, Villa do not return to competitive action until Boxing Day when they meet Liverpool on home territory.
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As far as Cardiff are concerned, this is scheduled to be their only fixture before they meet Stoke City in the Championship on December 10.
Mark Hudson, who has now been appointed as the club's permanent manager, will have been grateful for the break in action after succumbing to Hull City and Sheffield United in South Wales.
In total, the Bluebirds have lost six of their last eight encounters in the second tier, leaving the club in 19th position in the Championship standings.
Cardiff also boast the worst offensive record in the division, and this game provides Hudson and his squad with a chance to build some momentum ahead of the visit to the Potteries.
Team News
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With Callum O'Dowda and Callum Robinson having recently represented Republic of Ireland, it is unclear whether the pair will be considered for a starting role.
Cardiff are definitely with Rubin Colwill and Mark Harris due to their inclusion in the Wales squad for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Villa are unable to call upon Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash, Jan Bednarek and Leander Dendoncker due to their participation at the same tournament.
Robin Olsen is in line to replace goalkeeper Martinez between the sticks, while Ashley Young or Calum Chambers will deputise at right-back.
Only Philippe Coutinho and Diego Carlos are ruled out through injury with Lucas Digne and Boubacar Kamara having recently returned from their respective issues.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Romeo, Ng, Kipre, Nkounkou; Wintle, Ralls; Ojo, Sang, O'Dowda; Robinson
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Olsen; Young, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Ings
We say: Cardiff City 1-3 Aston Villa
Although Cardiff are more likely to go as full tilt in this game, Villa have minimal players who are at the World Cup. With that in mind, the Premier League outfit should have too much firepower for their Welsh opponents.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
