Cardiff City marksman fires shot across Bristol City's bows

In-form striker Michael Chopra has issued a warning to City ahead of Sunday's televised Severnside derby.

Chopra has smashed six goals in three outings, including a hat-trick at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night, to propel Cardiff to the Championship summit. And he is confident of adding to his tally against the Robins.

"I'm on fire," declared the £4 million record signing. "Almost everything I touch at the moment seems to be going in. A goal off my heel, a deflected goal last Saturday and when I struck my first goal against Plymouth I hit it with my right and it came off my standing left foot to loop over the goalkeeper! But I don't care how they go in as long as we win.

"We've got off to a flier and being top of the league is a great position to be in before we face Bristol City."

Manager Dave Jones, however, has a few problems. The loss through suspension of defender Tony Capaldi, sent off for two yellow cards at Home Park, will force him to reshuffle an already depleted side.

Ross McCormack, last season's top scorer, misses the game after suffering a hamstring tear at Blackpool, while defenders Paul Quinn (knee), Mark Kennedy (calf) and Kevin McNaughton (ankle) are all rated doubtful.

Adam Matthews came off the bench for his debut at Blackpool to replace Quinn. The 17-year-old was preferred to the more experienced Miguel Comminges and Darcy Blake, and looks set to retain his place in the squad. Two more teenagers, striker Josh Magennis and midfielder Aaron Wildig, have also made their senior bows in the last week and will again be named among the substitutes.

Defender Aaron Morris is expected to complete a quartet of players yet to reach their 20th birthday.