The Blues secured their maiden Championship win since their return to the second tier of English football at the 10th time of asking, with West Ham loanee Freddie Potts and Callum Lang cancelling out Karamoko Dembele’s early opener for the Rs at Loftus Road.
The timely victory lifted John Mousinho’s side off the bottom of the table - a position they found themselves in before kick-off following the Bluebirds’ thumping 5-0 victory against Plymouth earlier in the day. But they were unable to climb back above tonight’s hosts, who now sit 22nd, with their margin of victory against Wayne Rooney’s Pilgrims ensuring they sit above Pompey in the standings on goal difference only.
Tonight’s game presents both clubs with the opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone, to put daylight between them, and to concentrate on climbing the table. But which players will the two teams have to do without for such an important fixture?
Here’s the outs and doubts ahead of kick-off (7.45pm).
9. Aron Ramsey - Out
The Wales captain hasn't played since the end of August because of a hamstring problem - and there's no sign yet that he'll be back any time soon. | Getty Images
10. Kion Etete - Out
The former Pompey target picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season and is yet to play this season. The striker is back training but is not considered fit enough to feature at present. | Getty Images
11. Ryotaro Tsunoda - Out
The Japan centre-backis yet to feature for Cardiff after arriving during the January transfer window. Is currently out with a hamstring injury that required surgery at the end of last season. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Isaak Davies - Out
The winger tore his hamstring as the Bluebirds were wrapping up their pre-season preparations. Is back training, but is believed to be around four weeks away from a return. | Getty Images