NW l FOCUS NOW FIRMLY ON VILLA

Bluebirds Boss Neil Warnock has called on his side to kick off 2017 in the correct way on Monday against Aston Villa – and make amends for the disappointment at Villa Park back in November.

Rickie Lambert’s goal in Birmingham drew City level midway through a frenetic first half, though a Jonathan Kodjia header towards the end of the forty-five – coupled with a ninetieth minute Rudy Gestede penalty - saw the points stay on home soil.

“I’ve got to say I was disappointed not to get a result at Villa back at the end of November, I though we did ever so well there,” said Neil to cardiffcityfc.co.uk. “We conceded bad goals at silly time though, just as we were in the ascendancy – and then I was really disappointed with the red card Pelts was shown. I’m looking for us to give a better account of ourselves this time around.”

City’s final game of 2016 would end up being the 2-2 draw at Brentford on Boxing Day, following Friday evening’s postponement of the Bluebirds clash at Brighton & Hove Albion’s AMEX Stadium.

Neil reflected: “We all wanted to play yesterday and have a go at halting their [Brighton’s] seventeen game run. We were all disappointed, but at the end of the day you have to accept the decision. 

“You could say that the plus side is that we’ve had an extra day’s rest, but when you take into account the travelling over the two days it hasn’t given us much if I’m honest.”

As for playing personnel, the Boss was hopeful of a clean bill of health but advised pre-match assessments would be needed over the fitness of two key figures.

“Things are changing so quickly with so many games this time of year, but there are obviously the injuries to Lee Peltier and Peter Whittingham [picked up at Brentford on Boxing Day] that we’re going to have to assess ahead of kick off on Monday,” he said. “Both have a chance, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”

And with tickets still available for the Bluebirds’ hosting of Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa (TICKETS HERE), Neil cited a vibrant start to 2017, adding: “We’re expecting a good crowd for this one and with Villa bringing a large contingent it promises to be a great atmosphere. We’re looking forward to it.”