F.A Cup Preview - Cardiff City v. Sheffield United

City play hosts to First Division flagship outfit Sheffield United, in a tie that will bring back memories of the Cup final in 1925. The Bluebirds were beaten 1-0 by United in only the third Cup final to be held at Wembley, but of course went on to win the famous trophy two years later, beating Arsenal 1-0 in the final. The two sides met in the F.A Cup Fourth round during the 199? campaign. The City faithful that made the long trip to Brammal Lane witnessed the City easily beaten 4-1 by the Blades, who were two divisions superior that season, with Super Kevin Nugent on target for the visitors.

After the fourth consecutive defeat against Watford, Lennie Lawrence is expected to make a few changes to the starting line-up. Following a massive rest of about 75 minutes, Robert Earnshaw looks set to return to the XI, and he will partner Peter Thorne up-front.

After two impressive performances, Martyn Margetson is likely to get the nod ahead of Neil Alexander between the sticks, with Chris Barker also expected to start at the back after being named as a substitute for the visit of Vicarage Road. The injury sustained to Daniel Gabbidon that day, which resulted in stitches to the face, mean the Welsh international is likely to miss the game with Tony Vidmar partnering Spencer Prior at the heart of the defence.

Alan Lee should return to the bench and may get a few minutes towards the end as he slowly recovers from a knee injury, and Jason Bowen could also be named in the match-day squad after yet another frustrating spell on the side lines.

There was previously talk of Lawrence foolishly shuffling his pack for this game and resting certain players. However, after the recent run of form, the worst for six years, the predictable City boss is likely to name the strongest side possible as City look to stop the rot against a Sheffield United side who reached the semi-finals of both the F.A Cup and the League Cup last season.

As for the visitors, manager Neil Warnock is hoping that he can start Dean Sturridge in the match. The experienced striker joined the Blades on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the week, with the possibility of the move being made permanent in the future.

Sheffield United come to Ninian Park third in the league, just two points shy of second placed West Brom with a game in hand. After losing the play-off final against Wolves last season, United's eyes are on promotion although after their Cup adventure last season, he Blades will be hoping for another memorable F.A Cup run this time around. In the fixture between the two sides in the First Divison, United were 5-3 victors with all 8 goals coming in an incredible final 45 minutes.

The referee for tomorrow is Paul Taylor of Hartfordshire, who has dished out 75 yellow cards and 10 red cards in 20 games he has been in the middle of this season. Expect some bookings in tomorrow's Cup tie!

Before kick-off, another ridiculous early kick-off due to the possibility of crowd trouble, their will be a minute silence in memory of Gill Reece. Reece played for both Cardiff City and Sheffield United in his career.

Happy New Year to you all, and for those of you who visit Ninian Park on Saturday, enjoy what we all hope will be an enjoyable Cup tie.

Bluebird to the Bone Prediction - Cardiff City 1-1 Sheffield United
A draw would stop the current run of defeats, and to still be in the Cup on Saturday night would walk as some kind of morale boost to the players. In the event of a draw, the replay at Brammal Lane is likely to be on Tuesday January 13th.

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