Coventry City FA Cup Big Match Preview

Match Preview

The Bluebirds continue their FA Cup campaign tomorrow, in their Third Round tie against Division One side, Coventry City.

Wins against Tranmere Rovers and Margate in Round One and Two confirmed Cardiff's participation in the Third Round for the sixth consecutive time.

Both clubs have a fantastic FA Cup tradition, although both clubs have only won the trophy one. Cardiff City famously lifting the trophy in 1927, whereas Coventry's triumph was a bit more recent in 1987.

Cardiff's main focus for the season is the league, but the FA Cup is an enjoyable experience for both the fans and the players, and often gives us a look at how the club would fair in higher divisions and with the large squad the Bluebirds possesses it shouldn't prove to much of a distraction.

During the mid-90s, FA Cup runs often gave City fans some much needed encouragement during miserable league campaigns, chiefly during the 1993/1994 season when City reached round five of the Cup before being knocked out by Luton Town, and the 1997/8 when the Bluebirds lost on penalties to Reading in a round four replay.

Despite, the glory of the FA Cup, many fans feel that City's progression in last years' competition cost the club promotion, especially due to the Cup upset against Premiership giants, Leeds United which attracted much media interest in the club and owner, Sam Hammam.

Anyway, back to tomorrow's fixture, and the game against Coventry should prove a great task for Cardiff who will have the chance to see how they fair against Division One opposition. Lennie Lawrence has recently said that he hopes the club will be on a similar level to Coventry City next season and this game will be an interesting test for the team.

City's hopes will be boosted as 5 of the Sky Blues' top player will be missing for the fixture, with Youssef Safri and Richard Shaw being major doubts for the visitors.

Coventry's player manager, Gary McAllister was recently awarded with the Managers of the Month award, after an impressive December month which saw them go unbeaten in six. This fantastic run of form as seen them rise to eighth in Division One, just one point shy of a top six placing and McAllister is hopeful his side can gain promotion.

Lawrence is expected to make a few changes from the side which drew 1-1 with Swindon Town on News Year's Day with Gavin Gordon, James Collins and Mark Bonner all in contention for a place on the bench. Graham Kavanagh is almost certain to start due to Fan Zhiyi's suspension, and he'll be looking to re-capture some of the form which saw him win the Cardiff City Player of the Year last Season. Jason Bowen is likely to keep his place on the right side of midfield, with Andy Legg on the left.

Lawrence's selection for the defence could prove interesting, with Scott Young returning to fitness he could start ahead of inconsistent Chris Barker, or off-form Spencer Prior. Gary Croft and Rhys Weston are expected to retain their places at wing-backs. Daniel Gabbidon is still not 100% fit, but might possibly feature on the Cardiff bench, his return will be vital for the Bluebirds.

Away tickets are reported to be selling well at Highfield Road, and people are hoping for an away following of up to 2,000, although I would have thought it would be closer to 1,000. The tie doesn't quite have the glitz and glamour of last season's third round tie with Leeds United, and it hasn't quite received the hype or public interest the Leeds game had, but hopefully the attendance will be over 14,000 which has only happened at Ninian Park once this season.

Coventry's Player-Manager, Gary McAllister has had a memorable FA Cup history lifting the famous trophy in 2001 with Liverpool.

The 34 year-old's career started with Motherwell before he went on to join Leicester City, then Leeds United.

McAllister joined Coventry in 1996 from Leeds United, and enjoyed 4 successful seasons at the club, but when they finally dropped out of the Top Flight he left to join Liverpool where he captained then to UEFA Cup and European Super Cup glory as well as several domestic trophies.

He returned to Coventry at the start of the season, taking over as manager but refusing to hang up his boots, and he has certainly been an asset both on and off the field for the Sky Blues.

His long powerful shots, and accurate passing will certainly make him One to Watch for tomorrow's game.

Although the two clubs met in a pre-season friendly last season, the last competitive game between Cardiff and Coventry was towards the end of the 1966/67 season when Coventry visited Ninian Park in a Division Two match.

19,739 watched the Bluebirds pull off an impressive 1-1 draw against the eventual division champions. The point proved vital for City who avoided relegation by just three points.
 

The Bluebirds to show they can handle Division One opposition by sweeping aside the Sky Blues, and putting themselves in the last 32 of the FA Cup.