MATCH FACTS: CARDIFF VS SHEFF WED

Glenn Loovens joined Cardiff City on loan initially for the 2005-06 season, and after forming a formidable partnership with Darren Purse in the heart of defence was signed permanently at the end of the campaign. He was a big part of the 2008 FA Cup run to Wembley, playing the full ninety minutes of the final. He left the Welsh Capital to join Celtic in 2008, and linked up with the Owls in 2013, initially on a short term contract. Stuart Gray’s faith in Loovens was shown at the start of 2014/15 as made the central defender his club captain.

Former Southampton and Northampton Town manager Stuart Gray made a succession of astute signings in the summer to strengthen his squad, beating a number of clubs to the signing of clinical forward Steven ‘Stevie’ May from St Johnstone. May has scored three goals in seven league games so far in the blue and white strips, including the winner over Nigel Adkins’ Reading side last Saturday. His exuberant hairstyle and goal-scoring technique disguise the fact that May is still only 21-years old.

Last time out: Cardiff City 0-3 AFC Bournemouth - Tuesday 23rd September 2014, Capital One Cup

The Bluebirds fought but were unable to stop in-form Bournemouth from advancing to the fourth round of the Capital One Cup at CCS. City conceded within ten minutes facing an uphill struggle. It wasn’t long before the visitors added a second and when the third came just after the half-hour mark it was all but over for our boys. The second half brought a renewed effort to cut the deficit and City did improve, creating chances through Mats Dæhli though the Bluebirds could not find the finishing touch. The Cherries hit the bar and had one cleared off the line whilst Cardiff had a goal denied by the linesman as the contest became stretched; however it was not to be this evening for Cardiff City, the final score 0-3.

Cardiff City: Moore, Brayford, Gabbidon, Cala, John, Gunnarsson, Kim (Dæhli), Adeyemi, Guerra (Macheda), Le Fondre, Maynard (Pilkington). Subs Not Used: Marshall, James, Eikrem, Burgstaller.

Last time out: Manchester City 7-0 Sheffield Wednesday - Wednesday 24th September 2014, Capital One Cup

A day for all Sheffield Wednesday fans to forget as holders Manchester City hit them for seven. Loanee Frank Lampard opened and finished the scoring, with Yaya Touré, Navas, Dzeko and youngster Pozo also hitting the back of the net for Manuel Pellegrini's side. 

Sheffield Wednesday: Kirkland, Zayatte, Buxton, Mattock, Lees, Maghoma, Maquire, May, Palmer (Helan), Coke (Dielna), Madine (Nuhiu). Subs Not Used: Westwood, Semedo, Drenthe, Hope.