Swansea City v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 23 September 2008 By Michael Morris
Cardiff City go to Swansea for the first senior competetive meeting since 1999 and it promises to be a highly charged occasion. The Carling Cup 3rd round tie will be under lights and is live on Sky Sports.

The rivalry between the clubs has always aired on the side of hostile. There's no love lost between the fans who forget all about being part of Wales and treat it as two tribes. And tonight the clubs will have the chance to go to war. On the pitch that is.

Off the pitch the movement of fans is strictly controlled with just 1400 Cardiff supporters being bussed from Ninian Park to the Liberty Stadium. I'm sure the locals will be out in force to give the coaches a warm welcome but there will be no chance of any face to face meetings. Even though times have changed and most of us have moved on there will still be a few looking to settle old scores. Hopefully the minority won't spoilit for the rest of us as we get enough travel restrictions as it is.

Swansea are on a run of three drawn games at home. Cardiff have drawn 5 of the 7 league games played this season. Maybe that's an idea for a bet after 90 mins? The game will be played to a conclusion with extra time and penalties if required.

The national media have been calling the rivally one of the fiercest in the UK. I guess it is, but it's not as big as Celtic v Rangers surely? It's a big enough game though to attract the Sky camera's. They have also targetted the Championship game at the Liberty on November for live transmission as well.

Dave Jones will play a strong side but with Gabor Gyepes cup tied and with 7 subs allowed on the bench we will see some youngsters amongst the replacements. This is a game that City fans will not want to see the club take lightly.

"I will wait and see how all my players feel," Dave Jones said one day ahead of the game.

"But I've always said that whatever team I put out, I will do it thinking they can win a football match.

"I won't just be giving players a run out and saying it doesn't matter if we don't get a result.

"They are professionals, they get paid to perform and I expect them play to the highest level otherwise why are they here.

"I have to look past one game. We have played a lot over the last few weeks and that has to come into consideration.

"But I want to win the game as much as Swansea do. So I'm not going to put the kids out like I have done for Welsh Cup."

Jones revealed Bluebirds chairman Ridsdale could not resist having his say as well.

"My chairman will want me to put my strongest possible team out and so will the players," he said.

"But I have 19 professionals here and every one of them is capable of playing in my first team.

"The only player that isn't eligible to play is Gabor. Hopefully a couple of the injured players will be available as well.

"Some of the young kids will be on the bench though.

"That's good because it will be a great experience for them."

Swansea City v Cardiff City
The Carling Cup
Live on Sky
Tuesday September 23rd, ko 7:45pm.