TEAM NEWS
Jay Bothroyd is set to return for Cardiff, while Chris Riggott could make his debut after overcoming injury and a lengthy battle to regain his fitness.
Mark Hudson, Jason Koumas and Gabor Gyepes are among those who have been affected by a virus this week and will be assessed ahead of the game.
Coventry are without the suspended Aron Gunnarsson, but fellow midfielder Lee Carsley is back after serving a ban.
Sammy Clingan (knee) and Carl Baker (hernia) could return to the squad.
MATCH PREVIEW
Coventry have lost on their last five visits to Cardiff, who have not played since 11 December because of the freezing weather conditions and have subsequently dropped to third in the table.
The Welsh side's form before their enforced break was alarming. Since winning all five of their matches in October, Cardiff have won only one of seven games and lost three of their last four.
Coventry are sixth - their highest position on Boxing Day for eight years. They were unbeaten in four matches and had kept four clean sheets in succession before losing against Norwich last time out.
The Sky Blues are yet to beat a team currently in the top eight, losing five of their six matches against those sides. That is a good sign for Cardiff, who have not won on Boxing Day for 11 years.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Each of these clubs have won 18 of the 45 previous matches between Cardiff and Coventry.
606: DEBATE
Have your say on this match
• The Sky Blues' last win against Cardiff was a 1-0 victory in the Championship in August 2007.
Cardiff
• Cardiff have not kept a clean sheet in eight games, and have managed only one in their last 12.
• They are yet to win a match this season without scoring at least two goals.
• Craig Bellamy, who has scored once in his last nine games, is three goals away from the 150th of his club career.
• Gavin Rae, an unused substitute in recent games, is hoping to make his 150th appearance for Cardiff.
Coventry
• Coventry have opened the scoring in 12 Championship matches this season - a feat bettered only by Swansea.
• Only Leeds have hit the post more times than the Sky Blues, who have been denied by the woodwork on 13 occasions.
• Clive Platt is two league goals away from the 100th of his career.
• Freddy Eastwood could make his 100th appearance for the club
