SIMON Grayson is expecting a tough game against Cardiff City on Saturday but is hoping the Seasiders can pick up the three points that will virtually see them safe.

Following the loss to West Brom on Tuesday night, Pool now look to avenge a 1-0 defeat here at Bloomfield Road against the Welsh side in December.

Buoyed by victory in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend, Cardiff City play at Ninian Park for the first time since the win over Barnsley on Saturday.

A midweek draw at Ipswich on Wednesday leaves them on 57 points, five outside of play-off contention with a game in hand.

Recent results make for a massive turnaround in their season, with Grayson expecting to take on a confident side.

"It's a tough game," he said. "They had a good result at Ipswich and a fantastic result at the weekend for them to get to the Wembley final.

"Its swung in roundabouts their season. I think when we played them up here Dave was under a lot of pressure but obviously he has turned it around magnificently.

"We go there knowing it's a difficult game but I'm sure they'd have watched us in the last few weeks, they'll have respect for what we try and do, watched us against West Brom and be aware that we can be a threat to people.

"It's a tough game for us but it's another one that we're all looking forward to - and try and get the three points, which will hopefully make us safe," he added.

The Seasiders are again without John Hills for the trip to Ninian Park, while the manager will make late decisions on the fitness of Shaun Barker and Ian Evatt who both picked up knocks on Tuesday night.

Cardiff are set to have a familiar face taking to the field for them, as Trevor Sinclair could well start for the Bluebirds. The former Pool winger missed out on a return to Bloomfield earlier this season through injury, but after coming on off the bench against Ipswich on Wednesday, he could well start tomorrows game.

The Seasiders last trip to Cardiff was in March 2003 when the Bluebirds came from behind to win 2-1. The last Pool away victory against the Welsh side came in January 1995 when Andy Watson scored the only goal.

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