Cardiff City vs. Sunderland: Preview and TV schedule

There's a big relegation clash in Cardiff late on Saturday, with the newly-managerless Bluebirds looking to bounce back from a Boxing Day defeat to Southampton against a resurgent Sunderland. That defeat to the Saints on Thursday was Cardiff's second on the trot, seeing them fall to within a point and a couple of places of the bottom three. It also spelled the end of Malky Mackay's managerial reign, though given that the Scot still seemed to have the backing of the players and fans, that decision could backfire badly.

As for Sunderland, they managed to pick up a surprise 1-0 win against high-flying Everton on Boxing Day, ensuring that they are still very much in the hunt for Premier League survival. The Black Cats are still rooted to the foot of the table, though are just four points behind Cardiff and seemingly improving under Gus Poyet. It wouldn't be at all surprising if it was Sunderland who were the more confident side heading into this important clash.

Cardiff will be without Craig Bellamy due to a hamstring injury, though otherwise should have a full-strength team available. In contrast, Sunderland will be without goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defensive duo Carlos Cuéllar and Wes Brown through injury and suspension respectively.

Cardiff City injuries and suspensions

Cardiff City: David Marshall; Andrew Taylor, Ben Turner, Steven Caulker, Kevin Théophile Catherine; Peter Whittingham, Aron Gunnarsson, Jordon Mutch, Craig Noone; Peter Odemwingie, Frazier Campbell.

Sunderland: Vito Mannone; Phil Bardsley, Modibo Diakité, Valentin Roberge, Ondřej Čelůstka; Ki Sung-Yueng, Jack Colback, Lee Cattermole; Fabio Borini, Steven Fletcher, Sebastian Larsson.