Scotland international Callum Paterson and his Bluebirds team-mates are ready to sting the in-form Bees on Saturday (3pm).
Visitors Brentford travel to South Wales in excellent form and haven’t lost in their last eight Championship matches, earning 18 points from a possible 24.
“Every game is a tough game,” says Paterson. “We have to stick to our game plan and hopefully win the game.
“The defence has been unbelievable this season with the clean sheets, and Neil (Etheridge) has been great in goal.”
Former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay, who is in temporary charge of the Scotland team, called up Paterson for international duty against the Netherlands.
“That was a great feeling, amazing,” said the 23-year-old after sitting out the match among Scotland’s substitutes.
“To be called up again was a great feeling. I was really happy to be there, but I’d have loved to have got on, too.”
Paterson has made four Championship appearances for Cardiff since returning to fitness following almost a year out injured.
“Bluebirds supporters can help spur the team on,” he says. “The atmosphere has been great and thankfully the fans have accepted me with warmth. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Manager Neil Warnock and his Bluebirds currently are third in the table, four points behind leaders Wolves and two behind second-place Sheffield United.
Aron Gunnarsson is set to return for City on Saturday, while Danny Ward looks set to lead the attack.
Omar Bogle is suspended after being sent off at Bristol City, while Kenneth Zohore and Rhys Healey are injured.
Gunnarsson has not played for Cardiff for a month, but he was able to play in the last 11 minutes of Iceland’s 1-1 draw against Qatar in midweek.
“We’ll assess him and it’s good to have him back in contention with three games in a week ahead of us,” said Warnock.
Full-back Lee Peltier will miss out because of a one-match suspension triggered by his fifth booking of the season, but Joe Bennett is back after recovering from a calf strain.
The back four is likely to be Paterson, Bruno Manga, captain Sean Morrison and Bennett with Sol Bamba and Joe Ralls offering an extra defensive shield deep in midfield.
New signing Rolf Feltscher, who has joined Cardiff on a short-term contract until January 13, could be involved in the match day squad if international clearance is granted in time.
Venezuelan international Feltscher, a 27-year-old defender who can play anywhere across the back line, will wear the number 29 shirt.
Cardiff City, probable: 4-2-3-1: Etheridge, Paterson, Morrison, Manga, Bamba, Bennett, Ralls, Bryson, Mendez-Laing, Hoilett, Ward.
Tickets for City vs. Brentford are available from the CCS Ticket Office or by calling 0845 345 1400
