Former Crystal Palace midfielder Robert Smith may feature alongside Jay Richardson, while Brighton strikers Danny Marney and Carl Wilson-Denis, both signed on loan to cover injuries, could play some part.
The home side will be without Joff Vansittart, Justin Gregory and forward Warren Bagnall, as well as midfield duo Mo Harkin and Peter Fear, although the club captain may make the bench. Ian Payne is expected to fill the left-back slot vacated by Ernie Cooksey's move to Oldham Athletic.
Visitors Merthyr return to the division having won the Dr Martens Western Championship.
Defender-turned-striker Cortez Belle and Justin Pritchard will provide the Reds defence with plenty of work, while manager Andy Beattie could give first-team debuts to former Cardiff trainees Gethin Jones and Simon Heal as well as ex-Newport County frontman Richard French.
The home side will be without Joff Vansittart, Justin Gregory and forward Warren Bagnall, as well as midfield duo Mo Harkin and Peter Fear, although the club captain may make the bench. Ian Payne is expected to fill the left-back slot vacated by Ernie Cooksey's move to Oldham Athletic.
Visitors Merthyr return to the division having won the Dr Martens Western Championship.
Defender-turned-striker Cortez Belle and Justin Pritchard will provide the Reds defence with plenty of work, while manager Andy Beattie could give first-team debuts to former Cardiff trainees Gethin Jones and Simon Heal as well as ex-Newport County frontman Richard French.