Birmingham vs Cardiff City preview - Blues without Novak

Birmingham boss Gary Rowett will still be without the injured Lee Novak for the visit of Cardiff.

The striker is yet to play under Rowett after suffering a hamstring injury before their draw with Wolves last week.

Rowett has no other fresh injury worries and is likely to stick with the same side who beat Watford 2-1 on Tuesday, his first win as Blues boss.

The former Burton manager has picked up four points from his first two games in charge.

Cardiff will be without Kenwyne Jones once more as they look for their first away win of the campaign.

Their 3-0 thumping at Bolton on Tuesday night means Cardiff have drawn four and lost four of their eight Championship away games since relegation and they will have to manage without their top scorer, who is in Trinidad after a family tragedy.

But Russell Slade may be able to call on winger Anthony Pilkington, who missed the Trotters loss through illness as they look to bounce back.

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will not be involved as the South African has been ruled out for 16 weeks with a knee injury.