' Cardiff City Tomorrow Night '

Cardiff City want momentum from Carabao Cup run as Neil Warnock declares 'let's give it a go' versus Portsmouth


By Dominic Booth

Monday 7th August 2017


Neil Warnock may have his sights firmly locked on a promotion charge with Cardiff City this season, but the manager wants to compete on multiple fronts.

Because while last season saw the Bluebirds dumped out of both cup competitions at the opening stage, Warnock — now with a newly-expanded squad — isn't prepared to lose focus in the same way.

He wants Cardiff to gather valuable momentum, generated by the 1-0 victory over Burton Albion on Saturday, secured by a morale-boosting late goal from Kenneth Zohore.

And though Tuesday night's Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth will see Warnock shuffle his pack somewhat, it provides a chance for those fringe players to press their case for more regular inclusion.

That's especially true in the case of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Loic Damour and Danny Ward; the three new signings whose impact off the bench at Burton drew praise from the boss.

All three could make their first competitive starts for the Bluebirds against League One Pompey in the cup tie. All three could feasibly merit first team inclusion against Aston Villa on Saturday given their displays at the Pirelli Stadium.

"I'm going to play some other lads," admitted Warnock. "I'll definitely play Murph (Brian Murphy) and one or two others, probably Mendez."

The manager's desire to rotate his squad is understandable of course, given that the mouth-watering league clash with Villa lies just around the corner.

With that in mind, the likes of Zohore, Aron Gunnarsson and Sol Bamba may well be rested. The young Danish striker has a battle with Villa captain John Terry to prepare for, let's not forget. Gunnarsson will be tested against Glenn Whelan, Bamba against Scott Hogan and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

But while last season's mediocrity was illustrated by limp defeats to Bristol Rovers and Fulham in the cups, Warnock knows the value of a cup run.

He gained notoriety with Sheffield United on a sparkling streak to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2003. The Blades were sunk by Arsenal in a controversial encounter that year, but Warnock's side continued their meteoric rise with promotion to the Premier League three years later.

This time around, he's given himself a year to propel Cardiff in the same direction. Which is why he won't lie down against Pompey.

"I want to get through that (game against Porstmouth) if I can," added Warnock. "I don't see why we can't have a run in the cup."

The manager joked that his assistant (Kevin Blackwell) was demanding a full strength side. But Warnock, forever the pragmatist, will pick and chose carefully. Following Kadeem Harris' three-month lay-off, the Bluebirds can ill-afford more injury problems at this early stage of the season.

Promotion-chasing sides like Villa, who boast an expensively-assembled squad, blessed with depth, will deal with the rigour of the season. The Bluebirds are less well-stocked but nonetheless will ask their hungry players, starved of first-team football, to step up on Tuesday night.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock celebrates at the end of the Burton game. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
"Blacky wants me to play the full team! He wants to win everything, "joked Warnock.

"But we've got to be a bit careful if I'm honest.

"Young (Matty) Kennedy has done very well in pre-season and I was disappointed that he had to miss out (at Burton). I said to him 'you've done brilliant'. He's in front of Craig (Noone) at the moment so I will probably play Kennedy on Tuesday.

"I'll probably play Stuart O'Keefe, I've already spoken to him about the game.

"So let's have a look at some of these other lads.

"But it's a great habit, winning, and we really want to give it a go."

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My first game tomoZ can't wait

Enjoy your first game Rossblue first of many I hope here is to a bluebirds win crossed fingers

We went to the ground today and I got myself a shirt. We were in the area anyway so would have been rude not too. Didn't realise it was so close to asda, Costco , dw etc etc. Will there be anyone selling any scarves and badges etc so I can get my lads something?? Or even a face paint etc

There is a railway bridge by the Ninians rail stop a guy sells scarfs a pin badges

And they usually sell them out of the supporters club store if they're open

Occasionally see someone selling scarfs where mentioned on the above post but as tomorrow's match is a low attendance and low key they,au not come out for tomorrow. You can get some stuff in the shop too. Are you going to the villa match on Saturday mate? If so you'll notice a big difference in attendances between the 2 games. It maybe more likely that people will be selling scarfs etc on Saturday. Enjoy the match

Thanks guys yes we have tickets for villa and I'm thinking of getting some for the Sheffield game as our next one may not be until 26th sept. I just Wana grab a few things for me lads

Thanks guys yes we have tickets for villa and I'm thinking of getting some for the Sheffield game as our next one may not be until 26th sept. I just Wana grab a few things for me lads

enjoy Rossblue, always good to hear of people joining the ranks

Thanks guys yes we have tickets for villa and I'm thinking of getting some for the Sheffield game as our next one may not be until 26th sept. I just Wana grab a few things for me lads

Take a look at the family stand season tickets may work out cheaper in the long run if you've got a pal who'll go halves with you

Glad After moving house a year ago we finally made the jump after talking about it most of last season.
I'm thinking of season ticket as I'm a student at the moment and it's only £100. Absolute bargain. Can I just ask why it would be cheaper to get a pal to go halves??? Do u mean so he or she can use for the games I can't get too??

You said you had kids so two adults two kids for a set amount - having said that if you get a student I wonder if the kids would still qualify for £49 season tickets?? Would only be £200 then

Ah yes good point. Iv called the club and my best option is student and 2 children's comes to 200. Absolute bargain. But I just can't due to childcare get to enough games. We can make atleast 10 though and I'm hoping for some home cup draws. I'm going to have to buy a membership though so I can get away tickets but can I just ask...... With a membership for myself can I buy away tickets for my lads Aswel ???

In subway now, kids buzzing