Cardiff City play host to Huddersfield Town on Sunday afternoon knowing that a point will mathematically ensure that they avoid relegation from the Championship.
While their second-tier status has realistically been guaranteed ahead of this contest, the same cannot be said for Huddersfield, who begin the latest set of fixtures in 21st place in the standings and just one point above the bottom three.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having endured two notable poor runs of form since his arrival, things have certainly not always gone well for Sabri Lamouchi in the Cardiff dugout.
However, six victories and two draws from 16 matches in charge have effectively ended the threat of relegation, Cardiff now in 18th spot in the table and with a better goal difference than Reading, the only team that can catch them.
Cardiff have been excellent in recent matches, putting together a seven-point haul from contests against Watford, Stoke City and Rotherham United to suggest that they have a bright future under Lamouchi.
The fixture with the latter on Thursday night had greater meaning to it after the initial match was abandoned after 48 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch, Cardiff having led 1-0 at the time.
An 87th-minute winner from Cedric Kipre in a 2-1 victory would have felt sweet for everyone associated with Cardiff, and they will now be targeting an unbeaten five-game streak for the first time this campaign.
© Reuters
Things are less cut and dried for Huddersfield, despite the perception that the appointment of Neil Warnock - a former Cardiff manager - has had an overwhelming positive effect.
Although collecting 16 points from 12 matches is a better return than many Terriers fans would have expected, a three-match winless streak has left the Yorkshire side just a point above the relegation zone.
Their game in hand over Reading could prove invaluable, yet a difference of just one strike in terms of goal difference means that a heavy defeat may prove pivotal.
Huddersfield also play host to Reading on the final day, setting up the prospect of a mouth-watering occasion at the John Smith's Stadium, but Warnock will be hoping that Wigan Athletic can defeat the Royals on Saturday to give his team a chance to secure their survival a day later.
Team News
© Reuters
With Callum O'Dowda expected to miss out for Cardiff, Joe Ralls is likely to switch to left wing-back for this game.
Andy Rinomhota could be restored to the middle of the pitch in his place, with Jack Simpson remaining on the substitutes' bench despite his second-half showing at the New York Stadium.
Having made no substitutions during Huddersfield's 1-1 draw at Sunderland last time out, Warnock may show preference to selecting the same team.
However, Warnock faces a possible selection dilemma between the sticks with long-time number one goalkeeper Lee Nicholls returning from injury to put January arrival Tomas Vaclik under pressure.
Although Jaheim Headley's place on the left flank is under threat, he may continue to get the nod over Ben Jackson.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; Ng, Kipre, McGuinness; Romeo, Rinomhota, Wintle, Ralls; Philogene; Etete, Kaba
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Vaclik; Pearson, Lees, Helik, Ruffels; Kasumu, Rudoni; Koroma, Diarra, Headley; Ward
We say: Cardiff City 2-1 Huddersfield Town
While Lamouchi will demand that his players show full focus to this contest, his team can also afford to enjoy themselves, a reward for their solid work since the turn of the year. Playing with a greater freedom, we feel that the Bluebirds will do enough to get the better of the Terriers by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
