Aston Villa created a number of chances in the first 45 minutes but the opening half of their game against Cardiff City has ended goalless.

Libor Kozak was close to celebrating his return to the side with an early goal but his header was well saved by David Marshall.

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Marshall was kept busy in the Cardiff goal in the opening stages as he made further saves from Karim El Ahmadi and Yacouba Sylla.

Christian Benteke was inches away from scoring his first goal in four games but the striker's low effort was tipped past the post by an in-form Marshall.

Cardiff settled well after being forced onto the back foot early on but they found it difficult to create clear opportunities at the other end of the pitch.

Craig Bellamy targeted the top corner towards the end of the first half but Brad Guzan was able to make an easy save from the long-range effort.