soccer

'We love playing at home' - Barry-Murphy and Chambers

[Huw Evans Picture Agency]

After back-to-back away trips to Burton and Rotherham, League One title hopefuls Cardiff return to Cardiff City Stadium this weekend.

And when it comes to playing in south Wales, head coach Brian Barry-Murphy and his captain Calum Chambers are clearly of the same opinion.

"We love playing at home. Our home record's been phenomenal this season, and the pitch is in fantastic condition," said Barry-Murphy.

"We look forward to it immensely and try to give the supporters what they crave on Saturday."

Cardiff were ruthless in their last home outing, a 4–0 demolition of Barnsley, and when they welcome play-off chasing Luton on Saturday, 14 February (1500 GMT), Barry-Murphy will hope for another dominant display.

The Bluebirds have lost only twice at home this season, a record defender Chambers believes is powered by the supporters.

"They're amazing. They really help us in games," said the former Arsenal and Aston Villa man.

"You really do feel the energy they give us, especially at key moments when we need a goal. We love playing at home."

The League One leaders will need that energy against a Luton side riding high after a 2-1 victory over Bradford which bolstered their own hopes of achieving promotion.

Cardiff, meanwhile, are pushing to maintain momentum in their push for an immediate return to the Championship.

Chambers, who joined the Welsh side last season, described Cardiff's Championship campaign as "tough," but says relegation has brought players and fans together again.

"The atmosphere is class, really good here. Compared to last year, this season has been bouncing."

Barry-Murphy, who only arrived in June, has also felt that strong connection since his arrival.

"The support from the supporters to our players has always been there," he said.

"Our intention is to give them more of the best of ourselves so they don't have to go through the worst of it."

For the visit of The Hatters, Wales international Dylan Lawlor returns to the squad.

The 20-year-old has been part of the back line responsible for nine of Cardiff's 12 clean sheets this season - the best defensive record in the division.

But Barry-Murphy will be without forward Isaak Davies who suffered a concussion following an unnoticed blow to the head in the 86th minute against Rotherham.

Cardiff also remain without top scorer Yousef Salech and influential midfielder Rubin Colwill, both key to the club's early-season success.

Colwill is now back in training and Salech is making "good progress" after seeing a specialist, but the manager urged patience.

"Rubin's back in full training but he's been out for a long time, so it's about balancing when he's actually available to get back on the bench," said Barry-Murphy.

"Yousef's continuing his rehabilitation, so he won't be available."

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