The early kick-off this Saturday features Cardiff City and Swansea City clashing in the 119th edition of the South Wales derby, with three vital EFL Championship points at stake.
The Jacks head east along the M4 following a 3-0 FA Cup defeat at Southampton last Sunday. Adding to their challenges, the Swans face fitness concerns in their defensive line, with key players likely to be sidelined.
The Bluebirds enter the derby with growing confidence.
A gritty 1-0 FA Cup win at Sheffield United last weekend secured a fourth-round tie against fellow strugglers Stoke City.
They followed that up with a 1-1 home draw against Watford on Tuesday, a game that saw them extend their unbeaten streak to five matches.
After the frustration of conceding an 87th-minute equaliser, the Bluebirds gained a psychological boost by climbing out of the relegation zone ahead of this crucial clash.
Cardiff manager Omer Riza will still be without Isaak Davies (leg), Michael Reindorf (ankle), David Turnbull, and Aaron Ramsey (both muscular injuries), though all are nearing a return.
Forward Callum Robinson, however, is available for selection after serving a three-match suspension following his red card in the New Year’s Day draw with Coventry.
Swansea manager Luke Williams rotated his squad against Southampton, partly due to injuries. Defenders Ben Cabango and Harry Darling remain doubtful for Saturday’s derby.
The Swans are also dealing with long-term absences, including Josh Ginnelly (Achilles) and Oliver Cooper (foot), but may strengthen their ranks before the weekend with Wycombe’s Joe Low reportedly close to joining.
Cardiff remain unbeaten in their last five matches but have struggled for home victories, failing to win at Cardiff City Stadium since a four-game streak ended in early November. Their 14 points at home are the second-worst in the Championship, only ahead of Hull City.
Swansea, despite their recent struggles on the road, boast the 10th-best away record in the league, with four wins away from home this season. The reverse fixture in August ended in a 1-1 draw, while last season both sides won the home leg of the derby 2-0.