We're underway again at Ninian Park. Slowly but surely Arsenal are clawing their way back into this game. Emmanuel Adebayor has come off the bench for the visitors.
Team Line-ups:
Cardiff: Enckelman, McNaughton, Gyepes, Roger Johnson, Kennedy, Rae, Parry, Ledley, Burke, Bothroyd, McCormack.
Subs: Heaton, Capaldi, Purse, Eddie Johnson, McPhail, Comminges, Blake.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs, Nasri, Ramsey, Song Billong, Eboue, Van Persie, Bendtner.
Subs: Almunia, Diaby, Gallas, Vela, Denilson, Wilshere, Adebayor.
Cardiff City vs Arsenal Live Matchplay
Team News:
Cardiff are hoping for another FA Cup day to remember via a re-run of the 1927 final which saw the Bluebirds famously defeat Arsenal 1-0.
The Gunners were without the suspended Gael Clichy, so drafted in the inexperienced Kieron Gibbs in defence.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also handed a start to ex-Bluebirds midfielder Aaron Ramsey, as well as opting to begin with the fit-again William Gallas on the bench alongside Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Championship play-off contenders, who lost to Portsmouth in last season's FA Cup final, were without injured winger Peter Whittingham, allowing Chris Burke - the new signing from Rangers - to make his first start.
The two sides last met in the competition in 2006 when Arsenal won 2-1 at Highbury in the stadium's final season.
This could also turn out to be Ninian Park's last FA Cup fixture as City are moving to a new ground next season just over the road.
Arsene Wenger (Arsenal manager)
"We know in a cup tie away from home against a Championship team you need full commitment.
"We are a Premier League team at the top of the league and that is why we want to show when we go to these kinds of places that we can compete and show everyone why we are where we are."
Wenger continued: "We are confident, but what we want is to keep our run going and a good focus on every game.
"Every game we win makes us stronger and that's why we want to win the next one.
"This will, though, be a tricky cup game against a good Championship side, so you want to be on your toes and focused."
Dave Jones (Cardiff City manager)
"We're not playing at Wembley, we're at Ninian Park and we'll play the football match and I hope we do that. I've never known a team to play the occasion and come out better," said Jones.
"These players know what's expected of them, they have a fantastic opportunity to show they can compete against the best and if they can do that and they play to their capabilities then I can't expect anything more from them.
"If we play to our best and Arsenal come out on top then then no-one can complain. We will give it our best shot."
0 comments:
Post a Comment