Victory for the Bluebirds would see them complete a unique hat-trick of three consecutive wins over Midlands clubs.

A hard-working Walsall side stand in the way of City, who are unbeaten from their opening two home games against West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City. Walsall currently sit 5 points from their opening 4 games, and supporters seem to believe that it will be the clubs wayward away form that stop them mounting a surprise Playoff push this season.

Since bouncing straight back from relegation to gain promotion to the First Division via the Playoffs in 2001, the Saddlers have impressed many with three consecutive mid-table finishes. They have been tipped season after season to be relegated, but a determined side backed by a passionate fan-base have seen them prove the bookies wrong.

The acquisition of England international Paul Merson from Portsmouth over the Summer should see Walsall finish well clear of the drop again this season. Mers has already had a massive impact at the Bescott,

Lennie Lawrence has been boosted by the news that Danny Gabbidon could well return to first-team matters tomorrow. The Welsh international missed the 4-1 victory over Derby County last Saturday after picking up a foot injury in Wales' 1-0 loss to Serbia.

If Gabbidon fails to make the game, James Collins will be given another chance to shine. Collins put in a man of the match display against Derby last week, with a goal and a solid defensive display, and would relish another 90 minutes tomorrow.

Peter Thorne played in the 3-0 reserve defeat to rivals Bristol City during the week, but it is unlikely that Thorne will start, and the record signing can hope for a place among the substitutes at best.

Martyn Margetson, Leyton Maxwell, Jason Bowen, Mark Bonner and Gavin Gordon were all also in action in Wednesday's second string encounter, but neither had a big impact and are unlikely to be included amongst the starters.

Walsall boss Colin Lee has a couple of injury worries ahead of tomorrow's game with midfielder Stephen Oakes unlikely to be in action.

Oakes was kicked in the ribs in Walsalls' reserve match with Burnley mid-week, and the 24-year-old is expected not to recover in time for the game.

Fellow midfielder Jamie Lawrence is also rated highly-doubtful, as his foot injury looks set to see him out for a further week at least.

Following the excellent recent run of form, City will be backed by a impressive away following of almost 3,000. The Bescott Stadium is a nice, neat and tidy stadium which holds 11,500, following recent re-development.

Walsall have struggled with attendances in recent seasons with the dominance of Midlands rivals West Brom, Wolves, Birmingham and Aston Villa, but the group improvements and recent pleasing form saw the Saddlers get a gate of over 9,000 for their last home match against Stoke City.

The Bescott is probably the easiest away trip of the season for supporters travelling from Cardiff, with a drive of only 2 hours expected by car. The ground is next to the RAC centre on the M5 / M6 motorway split, and now the new Purple Loans stand has been finished it is now easily visible from the road!

The last league meeting between the two sides was over 10 years ago in the Third Division, when City's won the League and Welsh Cup double. Phil Stant and Cohen Griffith were on the scoresheet for the Bluebirds, as they defeated the Midlands outfit 2-1 at Ninian Park.

One to Watch - Paul Merson
As I mentioned, recent signing Paul Merson has filled Walsall followers with optimism. His midfield dominance helped Portsmouth to the First Division championship last season, and will certainly be a threat to City tomorrow. The ex-Arsenal star netted twice on his league debut, as the Saddlers stunned rivals West Brom with a 4-1 win.

Bluebird to the Bone Prediction - Walsall 0-1 Cardiff City
City go into tomorrow's game with both the players and supporters on a massive rush of confidence, and I can see City coming away from the Midlands with a narrow 1-0 victory.