Cardiff City

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Cardiff City take on Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (12:30 GMT) in what could be a key game in their bid to avoid Championship relegation.

The Bluebirds are three points above the drop zone after no league win in three.

And they travel to Home Park with the Pilgrims – currently bottom but one and level on points with 22nd-placed Derby - enjoying a resurgence in form.

It's a big test for manager Omer Riza, so we asked for views on who should feature – including whether striker Yousef Salech deserved a first start after his point-saving goal against Bristol City.

And after Aaron Ramsey come off the bench to make a big impact in the Severnside derby, is this the moment for the Wales captain to start a Championship game for the first time since August?

Here's a selection of your views:

John: I would start Salech against Plymouth & play Callum Robinson as a 10. What was noticeable against Bristol City was a lack of presence in the box. I'd start with Ramsey on the bench & bring him on later as the game becomes fragmented. Keep it tight to start with & then go for it

Geoffrey: Playing Robinson who is five foot nothing against a 6ft-plus twin centre-halves in the Bristol game was madness. Salech coming on showed the naivety of the manager.

Ivor: Salech should now be given a start. A striker who cost £3m-4m should not be kept as a substitute. Rubin Colwill has shown his tricky play can cause problems for any opponent. Sadly the brilliant Aaron Ramsey is accident prone can give very little help now.

Mike: Start Salech, it's a no brainer - we need all the goals we can get.

Charlie: Start them both. Must-win game and they will both worry Plymouth just by being on the pitch.

Andrew: Why can't Robinson and Salech play together? I would play both of them

Franco: I'd like to see them start with Salech and Robinson playing at 10. Ramsey can sit in behind them, and then build a team around that spine.

Big Lynd: Of course Salech MUST start. To buy a striker in the January window and leave him on the bench is criminal. He has shown in cameos that he can score goals and to play Robinson next to Salech is obvious to me. We leak goals so it is imperative to score more!

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Liam: Salech has to start for me. Robinson was in terrific form but has dropped off a little bit. Salech has made an impact every time he's come on - to have that physicality from the get-go will be essential in my opinion.

Luke: Salech has been outstanding at being in the right place for crosses and he deserves a start. Ramsey was on fire and looked like what the fans wanted, creating the chance for Salech, spreading the play. If he is fit enough, start him at 8.

Carter: Salech definitely has to start, as does Cian Ashford. Defences hate it when opposing players have pace, and this pair both do. My son and I were both there when Ramsey made his debut for Cardiff, so we're big fans. If he's fit, play him every time, but obviously manage his game-time. We must be on the attack from the beginning, show no fear.

Ian: Yes Salech should start along with Ramsey, use Robinson as a false nine. We have to win this match at all costs, we need to go at Plymouth from the start. If he picks a team like the starting XI against Pompey, we will lose.

Blue: As much as I love Ramsey, he is a spit of the player he once was and better to leave him to the bench and release him as soon as possible. Time for a new generation to take us back towards the top of the table.

Cian: Ramsey and Salech are both ready - I think they should start.

Robin: Salech is a find, a great signing, three goals and points every time. But, Robinson can score goals as well. It's the goals we are giving away that is our problem. Easy goals we should be defending!!

Richie: Salech to definitely start alongside Robinson and also start Ramsey, play Alves and drop Ng from the starting XI.

Gary: Salech should start, his goals per game ratio is great and he provides an option to go long into him to hold up and win flick-ons. Colwill should also start at 10 in a 4-4-2 as our 4-3-3 leaks goals!

Mark: Surely starting Salech and maybe bring him off an hour instead of bringing him on to chase the game makes more sense.

Anon: Rambo (Ramsey) doesn't have the legs to start, but he does have the head to win the game. Bring him on at 60-70 minutes to terrify their tired defence.

Alex: Start the best players! Of course Salech should start. Cardiff need goals and points!

Yousef Salech was again Cardiff City's late hero after he snatched a point against Bristol City.

Salech's 90th minute effort was enough to earn the Bluebirds a draw in the Severnside derby, celebrating his first goal at Cardiff City Stadium.

The 23-year-old, who also scored in the FA Cup fourth round shootout win at Stoke City, had previously scored at the death at Millwall to earn a point.

After arriving in January from Swedish side Sirius for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be between £3m and £4m, the striker says he is getting used to the demands of the Championship.

But after seven substitute appearances, is he now ready for a start as Cardiff travel to take on relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Saturday?

If he does, who makes way? Is it time, instead, for Wales captain Aaron Ramsey to return to the starting XI in a league game after swinging the momentum Cardiff's way from the bench against Bristol City?

Who would you like to see Omer Riza start in a key game for the Bluebirds' bid to ease away from relegation worries?

Have your say here, external

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Cardiff City are waiting to discover the extent of a groin injury to club captain Joe Ralls.

The midfielder missed Saturday's 1-1 Championship draw with Bristol City after sustaining the injury during last Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth.

"After the Portsmouth game he had a groin strain so we're managing him," said Cardiff manager Omer Riza.

"He's been on the grass, not training. We're just seeing how bad it is and hopefully it won't be too long."

Cardiff were also without defender-turned-midfielder Calum Chambers for the Bristol City draw because of illness but he is expected to make a swift recovery.

The Bluebirds' next fixture is away at relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle next Saturday.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza praised the impact of Aaron Ramsey as his "sublime" contribution on his Championship return helped rescue a draw against Bristol City.

Ramsey came on during the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw to make his first league appearance for the Bluebirds since August after a hamstring injury.

With the Bluebirds trailing 1-0 in the 90th minute, the 34-year-old played a delicate through ball to fellow substitute Cian Ashford, whose low cross was converted by another replacement, Yousef Salech.

"It was a sublime pass. We know that's the quality he's got," said Riza.

"It wasn't the only one, he made three or four passes like that, which were key opportunities. That's what he's good at and when the game opened up a little bit and we introduced him into the game, it was a perfect time for him."

Ramsey had made his comeback from injury by starting last Saturday's FA Cup win at Stoke City but sat out Tuesday's Championship defeat at Portsmouth.

"Aaron was ready to play," Riza explained when he was asked why Ramsey was on the bench against Bristol City.

"He played in the Stoke game, which was his first game back. He didn't play at Portsmouth because he can't, and probably ain't going to go Saturday/Tuesday ever.

"So playing Saturday to Saturday is something that will probably happen with Aaron but today was just selection and was my decision.

"I knew what he'd give us coming onto the pitch when the game opened up a little bit and he did that. So that was very pleasing for me. Aaron was probably disappointed he wasn't playing.

"But again, it's how you deal with disappointment and he dealt with it really well. He came on and showed character, leadership and quality to boot."

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Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says his side will "take the game" to Bristol City on Saturday (12:30 GMT) as the Bluebirds look to boost their Championship survival prospects.

Despite losing just two of their last 11 games, Cardiff are only two points outside the second-tier drop zone.

"We're focused on what we need to do," Riza told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's an important game. We know we need to be better. We have the capability to do well. The boys are up for it - they know how important it is.

"They'll be up for it as well, but we're at home and we will take the game to them. We'll look to hurt them where we can."

Midfielder Joe Ralls is likely to feature having moved into the Bluebirds' top 10 all-time appearance list having played in the midweek defeat at Portsmouth.

"It gives me massive pride," Ralls told BBC Sport Wales.

"There are some unbelievable names in there, some that I know very well and some not so well, a little bit before my time.

"It's just fantastic to be alongside some of those greats that have played for the club. I'm in illustrious company and really proud to be in there."

Leah Bower

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Joe Ralls says Cardiff City are facing a "massive" spell in their season as they attempt to pull clear of the Championship relegation scrap.

The Bluebirds are 20th in the table and only two points out of the drop zone.

With only six points between 18th-placed Portsmouth and bottom-club Luton Town, the battle at the bottom is compelling.

Cardiff host Bristol City in the Severnside derby on Saturday (12:30 GMT) before fixtures against fellow strugglers Plymouth and Hull.

"I think all the teams that are down there, including us, want to try and get to the next pack in that sort of mid-table, which is not too far away," Cardiff skipper Ralls told BBC Sport Wales.

"There are some good sides that are really fighting and trying to pick up points and we're in that category as well.

"We've got massive games coming up where we need to get a couple of points and pull ourselves away from that area. We're in the crunch now."

Cardiff have suffered two league defeats so far in February, but Ralls believes the club's January additions will help Omer Riza's side in the weeks eahd.

"Will [Alves] looks really, really sharp," he said.

"Sivert [Mannsverk] as well has settled in really well. They're going to be a massive part of it and we've got a big squad when everyone's fit.

"That will only be a benefit for us, especially with the games coming through thick and fast."

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Kion Etete's difficult season is continuing at Bolton Wanderers after the on-loan Cardiff City striker suffered a thigh injury which could keep him out for five weeks.

Etete signed a new Cardiff deal last month before joining Bolton for the remainder of the season.

But after playing only 23 minutes in Bolton colours – as a substitute at Reading earlier this month – the 23-year-old is facing another spell on the sidelines.

Etete made only one Cardiff appearance this season, in the FA Cup at Sheffield United, after a serious hamstring injury.

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Cardiff City will travel to Villa Park for their FA Cup fifth-round tie with Aston Villa on Friday, 28 February (20:00 GMT).

Two Cardiff Championship fixtures will be moved as a result of the Villa tie, which will be shown live on ITV.

The Bluebirds will now face Hull City on Tuesday, 25 February, 2025 (19:45 GMT) at Cardiff City Stadium, with that game brought forward 24 hours because the Villa match is being played on Friday.

The Hull fixture had originally been scheduled for the cup's fourth-round weekend.

Cardiff will host Burnley on Tuesday, 4 March (19:45 GMT), with that game switched from its original 1 March date.

Cardiff boss Omer Riza says his side's cup success has caused a scheduling headache.

"Of course one more game doesn't help as there are a lot of games already in the league," Riza told BBC Sport Wales.

"But we are in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The fans enjoyed their day [at Stoke in round four] and they will enjoy the game that is coming.

"We have to deal with it. It gives us less recovery time, but it is what it is."

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Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says the Bluebirds have given themselves wiggle room for if they decide to try and sign any free agents.

The Bluebirds left Raheem Conte, recalled from a loan at Woking, out of their EFL 25-man squad list despite being unable to send him out on another loan.

Cardiff only named 24 players in their squad list and Riza says that was a deliberate move.

"We wanted to keep spaces open in case we had to bring in any free players in an emergency, in case anything happens to anybody," Riza explained.

"Raz (Conte) knew that when he came back in. It's been difficult for him, he's been working hard and playing for the under-21s."

Riza says he is not actively targeting the free agent market, but is keeping his options open with Cardiff only two points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

"I am not looking now. I'm happy with what we've got at the minute, but I always feel if you get through March, April and potentially there is a player who could come in and cover an area, I think it's important to leave that open," he said.

One player who could yet depart the Cardiff City Stadium this season is defender Jamilu Collins, who has featured only three times for the Bluebirds this term.

The 30-year old was linked with a departure in January and Riza has hinted he could still leave with an agreement on terminating his deal potentially in the future.

"If every window closes around the world, he will either look to stay or some sort of agreement will be made," Riza added.

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Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is available for Saturday's Championship game against Bristol City at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Ramsey missed five months through injury before returning for the Bluebirds' FA Cup fourth-round win over Stoke City last weekend, but did not feature as Cardiff slipped to a midweek defeat at Portsmouth.

The loss at Fratton Park means Cardiff are only two points clear of the Championship relegation zone ahead of the Severnside derby, which has come to mean a great deal to supporters of both clubs.

With just six points separating seven clubs at the bottom of the division, Riza says Ramsey's availability could a key factor for his side.

"We have to manage the players correctly. The games are coming thick and fast, everyone has the same problem, you can't select the same players for every game," he said.

"Aaron played in the FA Cup and couldn't be involved in the game after.

"He will be available for Saturday and we will see what selection we come up with."

Riza says Cardiff will be without winger Ollie Tanner who has a fractured foot and midfielder Alex Robertson, who has picked up a hamstring injury.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says Aaron Ramsey's fitness will have to be "managed accordingly" after his latest return from injury.

The Wales captain was not included in Cardiff's matchday squad for the 2-1 defeat against Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

Ramsey, 34, played 63 minutes in the FA Cup win against Stoke City last Saturday, his first appearance since injuring his hamstring while playing for Wales last September.

"He's been out for five months, he's had a lot of injuries," Riza said.

"The plan for him is not to go game after game after game - he's not able to do it at present.

"We have to manage him accordingly which I've said many times."

Ramsey only made seven league starts and six substitute appearances for Cardiff last season in a campaign ruined by a knee problem.

The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder looked to have turned a corner this season as he started Cardiff's first four Championship matches, before he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Wales in their 2-1 win against Montenegro.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza hopes his return to the touchline can help instigate an upturn in form for his team.

Riza has had to watch the Bluebirds' past three games from the stands following his red card towards the end of last month's 3-0 win over Swansea City.

Having been on an eight-match unbeaten run, Cardiff have not fared so well since Riza's touchline ban, with a 7-0 thrashing at Leeds and Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth coming either side of last weekend's FA Cup win at Stoke on penalties.

The loss to relegation rivals Pompey was the third and final match of Riza's suspension, and he will return to the dugout on Saturday when Cardiff host Bristol City.

When he was asked if his return to the touchline might help his team rediscover their winning touch, Riza told BBC Radio Wales: "I'd like to think so. I hope so.

"It's been hard up there for three games but the boys, the coaches, have been brilliant while I've been away. It's my fault – I acknowledge that. We've got Bristol City at home on Saturday and we need to pick up points."

Defeat at Portsmouth saw Cardiff slip to 20th in the Championship table, where they are now only two points clear of the relegation zone.

"I told my players we can do better, we can play better than that," Riza added.

"Now we've made it hard work for ourselves again. Now we've got to go back with our tails between our legs and get ready for the game on Saturday."

The draw for the FA Cup fifth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Championship teams left in the competition.

Games will be played over the first weekend of March.

• Aston Villa v Cardiff City

• Crystal Palace v Millwall

• Manchester City v Plymouth

• Preston North End v Burnley

You can find the full draw here.