Cardiff looking to go the next step

The last time a Cardiff City fan could say ‘Cardiff have a Carling (League) Cup game tonight’ was way back in November 1965 the last time the Bluebirds reach this kind of high in this competition. Fellow Division 2 club Ipswich Town the visitors then and game City won 2-1 a score line Cardiff fans would be happy to see repeated tonight against visiting Blackburn Rovers.

Mackay said, "I have looked at them three or four times and they have had some really poor decisions against them. 

"A few decisions the other way and they are out of that bottom three. 

"They play decent football and they have not been out of the Premier League for a number of years, they have a sizeable squad and have plenty of Premier League experience."

Blackburn may be bottom of the Premier League, but you can guarantee the Cardiff boss will not be underestimating tonight opposition. They have not won an away game this season in league or cup having played they previous Carling game at home also they have only won a single league game.

On the other hand, Cardiff are on an excellent unbeaten run of games leading to upbeat talk of progressing onward to the semi-finals. Cardiff manager Malky Mackay as stated he would play his best possible team out tonight so we are likely to be a different team on display. That will mean some of younger members of Mackay squad will have to take a back sit after serving the club well in previous rounds.

Mackay admitted, “When you reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup it’s not something you dismiss lightly. 

“It’s the first time we’ve been there in 46 years, so we will try to do everything we can to win that game. 

“We are playing against a team who have been in the Premier League for a long time. 

“We’re not talking about a yo-yo team here. They’ve been right up there and had massive investment in them. 

“The first couple of rounds is normally an area that because of the timing you play youngsters. 

“At Oxford, for example, we had a lot of youngsters involved, but the further you get in the competition then obviously it becomes more tasty. 

“There’s a lot more interest and it becomes one you really want to make sure you can go at as fast as you can. 

“We are confident, we have had a good run recently, and we have nothing to lose,” he said. 

“It will be a great occasion and I am sure the fans will turn out in numbers and get behind us.”

While Mackay is, ride the crust of the wave with the Bluebirds fans while his opposite number at Blackburn Steve Kean is under the cosh with the majority of their fan base. There has been protest outside Blackburn’s Ewood Park ground, inside the ground, in the skies and on phone-ins around the country and newsprint. However, the club owners Venky’s are backing their man and there has been talk of a new contract for Kean.

Fixtures

Carling Cup Quarter-Final Match Dates

Tuesday 29th November:

Arsenal v Manchester City - 8pm – Live on SKY.

Chelsea v Liverpool - 7.45pm.

Cardiff City v Blackburn Rovers - 7pm.

Wednesday 30th November:

Man Utd v Crystal Palace - 7.45pm – Live on SKY.

If Cardiff make it through to the Semi-Final the draw will take place at Old Trafford following the quarter-final tie between Manchester United and Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.