Derby County vs Cardiff City preview - Buxton back for Rams

Posted Friday, September 19, 2014 by PA

Jake Buxton comes back into the reckoning for Derby as they prepare to host managerless Cardiff.

Buxton served a one-match suspension on Wednesday night against Blackburn, following his red card in the draw with rivals Nottingham Forest.

Zak Whitbread started in his absence as one of three changes made by Rams head coach Steve McClaren at Ewood Park. Elsewhere, Cyrus Christie and Jamie Ward came in for Ryan Shotton and Johnny Russell.

Ward looks set to keep his place after scoring twice against Rovers on his return from a hamstring problem, but midfielder Jeff Hendrick remains sidelined as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder.

Danny Gabbidon could name himself in the matchday squad when Cardiff make the trip to Pride Park.

The Welsh defender, an unused substitute on Tuesday night, will lead the team along with former fans' favourite Scott Young after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking on Thursday and he could make a number of changes to the starting line-up.

Cardiff's huge squad includes plenty of players who did not take the field against Middlesbrough including Sean Morrison, Magnus Eikrem and Guido Burgstaller, while Fabio's muscle problem will be assessed.

Craig Noone and Kagisho Dikgacoi have stepped up their push for full match fitness but the pair are more likely to return in Tuesday night's Capital One Cup clash with Bournemouth.