Newcastle vs Cardiff - Dwight Gayle decision to be left late by Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez

Posted Friday, November 04, 2016 by PA

Rafael Benitez will make a late decision on Dwight Gayle ahead of Newcastle's game at home to Cardiff on Saturday.

Gayle is close to recovering from a hamstring injury and has trained this week but Benitez must decide if the striker is ready for competitive action.

Midfielder Matt Ritchie will miss the game as he serves a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow cards.

Newcastle are three points clear at the top of the Championship table after registering six league victories in a row.

Cardiff are unlikely to risk Rickie Lambert as the former England striker recovers from a nasty leg injury.

Lambert needed internal and external stitches after colliding with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic two weeks ago, but the 34-year-old should return to action after the international break.

Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock says he has a few decisions to make following some illness at the training ground this week.

Frederic Gounongbe and Kenneth Zohore hope to be included in the matchday squad after scoring in the under-23 side's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in midweek.