Image source, Reuters

On the subject of Mike Ashley, there have been reports that he might be ready to pull the plug on Peter Kenyon's bid to take over at St James' Park.

The Chronicle, external is saying that the £300m asking price is proving a sticking point.

There might be a way to go on this one yet, as fans sing "We want Ashley out."

Fine save from Neil Etheridge to deny Ayoze Perez, whose fine header was heading for the top corner.

Best chance yet.

Newcastle fans giving owner Mike Ashley some less than complimentary advice as he is picked out by TV cameras. More inroads down the left for Newcastle earns a corner.

Image source, BBC Sport

Cardiff debutant Oumar Niasse has a sniff on the edge of the area as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing attempts to slide a ball across the edge of the area but it's cut out.

Niasse has played 10 minutes in the Premier League since September.

Image source, Getty Images

Jermaine Jenas
Former England and Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

I can't believe the position Newcastle are in since I was there.

It goes deeper than Mike Ashley - they stopped looking forward at a certain point. It was a European team at some point.

At some stage that person took the finger off the pulse and they started going backwards. Since Mike Ashley came into the club the investment was reduced.

Ritchie fizzes a throw-in to Rondon, who lays off for Isaac Hayden, but his long-range shot is blocked. Fairly quiet start so far.

Salomon Rondon holds the ball up well but is forced back to his goal by the Cardiff defence, who are marshaling the Newcastle attacker well. Rafa Benitez's team continue to work the ball down the left.

Matt Ritchie on the charge again, as he lays the ball off to Christian Atsu, but it comes to nothing.

Cardiff break quickly and force the first corner, which is cleared by Sean Longstaff.

Matt Ritchie drives down the left as the hosts make a fast start. His cross is cleared by Bruno Ecuele Manga as Neil Warnock applies a bit of lip balm.

Can't be too careful, Neil.

Newcastle get us under way. Could be a crucial game for both teams.

A quick reminder of the teams before we kick-off.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, re

Sounds like there may be more to the "procedure" that is keeping Cardiff City skipper Sean Morrison out of the team, according to the Express. , external

The newspaper claims that the 28-year-old was 45 minutes from death after his wife alerted club medics to a pain in his stomach, which turned out to be a burst appendix.

They are suggesting he could be out for six weeks, but given the circumstances, you'd probably take that?

Get well soon, Sean.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a cold, grey day on Tyneside as the teams come out. You're a brave man or woman to be out without a woolly hat today. I've been to St James' Park a few times and it's Baltic there at the best of times.

Love the walk up to St James' though. Proper football stadium.

Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator

Image source, Getty Images

John F. Kennedy was still America's President the last time Cardiff City won a league game on Tyneside. They've lost their subsequent nine visits but perhaps they'll never have a better chance to end that dismal record.

St James' Park has been anything but a fortress for Newcastle United - eight defeats already surpassing their total of seven for the WHOLE of last season.

Still the Geordies flock there, more in hope than expectation. That hope is wearing thin and they can expect an almighty scrap against Neil Warnock's men, who have only conceded in one of their last four league games.

Newcastle make one change to the side which lost at Chelsea a week ago.

Defender Ciaran Clark is out injured after an injury in the midweek win over Blackburn in the FA Cup, and is replaced by Fabian Schar. But Jamaal Lascelles starts despite also being substituted in the game at Ewood Park.

Image source, BBC Sport

Oumar Niasse starts up front for Cardiff after completing his loan move from Everton on Friday.

Lee Peltier is in for captain Sean Morrison, who the club say is having a procedure, and Joe Ralls replaces Harry Arter in midfield.

Image source, BBC Sport

A home win for Newcastle, which has been a rarity this season, could lift them out of the relegation zone, above Cardiff and up to 15th in the table depending on other results.

The Bluebirds will also put a four-point gap between themselves a the bottom three but they haven't won a league game at St James' Park since 1963.

Burnley are away at Watford this afternoon, while Southampton host Everton.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Reuters

Too early to be a relegation six-pointer? No chance.

This is a huge game for both teams and with Huddersfield playing Manchester City and Fulham hosting Tottenham on Sunday, it's a great opportunity to pull further away from the bottom two.

Up for it?