Read Adam Baker's big match preview, only on bcfc.co.uk.
OPPOSITION
Another Tuesday night, another Severnside derby battle between City and Cardiff. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round at Ashton Gate a fortnight ago, then Cardiff shaded the replay last Tuesday thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Bradley Orr. City also lost away at Cardiff in the league back in August, humbled by three goals to nil in front of the Sky cameras. This is the last chance for City to restore some order of parity - unless the play-offs beckon! Cardiff backed up their win over City with a 4-2 success over Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The win also earned an away trip to Chelsea in the last 16 of the competition. In the league Cardiff are firmly amongst the play-off pack, still with eyes on the automatic prize.
MANAGER
The longest serving manager in the Coca-Cola Championship, Jones is a good friend of his City counterpart (and second longest serving Championship boss) Gary Johnson. A ten-year playing career saw Jones turn out for Everton, Coventry City and Preston North End, as well as a two-season spell in Hong Kong with Sieko. Management life began for Jones at Stockport in 1995, where he stayed for two years and earned them promotion to the Championship (then just called the First Division. Southampton quickly brought him on board and he performed well in the top flight. Wolves were next to take on the Liverpudlian, and another promotion came via a 3-0 play-off final win over Sheffield United. However, Jones suffered the first relegation of his career a year later, despite a memorable win over Manchester United at Molineux. Sacked in November 2004 as a disappointing start to life back in the Championship, Cardiff then signed up Jones. Although Cardiff have yet to win promotion under Jones' regime, he has taken them to the final of the FA Cup in 2008 - their first appearance since 1927! Last season Cardiff reached their highest league position for 38 years, although they weren't celebrating as they missed out on the play-offs by a single goal.
FORM
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REFEREE
Andy D'Urso from Essex. Was in charge at Ashton Gate last for City's 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season. Cardiff's last match with D'Urso refereeing was a 2-0 home win over Preston in December 2008. Has shown 70 yellow cards and one red card in 22 matches this term.
ODDS
City are very slight favourites with the bookies, bet365.com, backed at 6/4 for victory versus the 7/4 priced on a Cardiff success. The draw is on offer at 23/10.
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