Milton Keynes Dons v. Cardiff City - League Cup

Dons v. City
By Chris O'Brien
September 21 2004

Cardiff City will be glad to get away from the Football League for an evening, with the League Cup second round tie against Milton Keynes Dons next up for the struggling Bluebirds. Lennie Lawrence could shuffle his pack again following the weekend's defeat at home to Derby County.

Cardiff City will look to stop the slump and Lennie Lawrence will hope to relive some pressure on himself as Cardiff City make the trip to Britain's newest city to face Milton Keynes Dons in the second round of the Carling-sponsored League Cup - the first time the two sides have met since the Dons controversially changed their name from Wimbledon FC.

It was not the attractive second round Bluebirds fans were looking for, but victory for the visitors to the National Hockey Stadium on Tuesday night would see City in the hat with the big boys of English football. All teams who qualified for Europe do not enter the League Cup until the third round, so a big cup tie could be on the horizon.

The cup will provide a welcome break from a torrid Football League campaign. City sit 23rd in the Championship and have not won in seven. A small away following will make the trip to the Hockey ground, where Cardiff snatched a lucky 1-0 victory last season with Gary Croft securing the three points over Wimbledon.

City got to the second round after a penalty shoot-out victory away at Kidderminster. Robert Earnshaw gave Cardiff the lead with his last goal for the South Walian outfit, but Kiddy equalised almost immediately. The hosts should have gone onto win the game, with Tony Vidmar sent off and several chances squandered but the stronger side held their nerve during the penalty lottery.

Cardiff enter the game with a mini injury crisis. John Robinson, keeper Martyn Margetson, Gary Croft, Richard Langley and Robert Page all look likely to miss out whilst Willie Boland and Stuart Fleetwood are doubtful. Lawrence could be willing to shuffle his pack for the clash, with several fringe players deserving a chance following some disastrous performances from the so-called big name players.

With Margetson injured, Neil Alexander is set to start. Could he comeback from the dead after being told to find a new club? Youngsters Joe Ledley, Byron Anthony, Nicky Fish and striker Cameron Jerome could all have some inclusion, whilst Andy Campbell will be hoping he gets a chance to impress following a diabolical run of form.

Milton Keynes Dons have started the season poorly, but a shock 1-0 away victory over bright starters Colchester United will have done much to aspire confidence. They sit 21st in the League One, or Second Division, or even Third Division if your a bit older, and would surely be happy to avoid relegation this term.

Cardiff are favourites at 5/4 tonight, with the Dons priced at 15/8. If you fancy a draw after 90 minutes most bookmakers have the game priced at 11/5. Meanwhile, the Dons are 500/1 rank outsides to life the trophy whilst City are priced at 150's. There must be a winner to this tie tonight, so like the first round at Aggborough we could see extra-time and penalty kicks.