[Archived] News Article -> 2011/12 Carling Cup Quarter-Final Preview: Cardiff City v Rovers

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Sunday's events concerning the death of Wales manager Gary Speed caused great shock in the football world and beyond as people tried to come to terms with the disturbing news. Swansea's home match against Aston Villa, held shortly after his death was made public, was a highly emotional event and Rovers' Carling Cup quarter-final match at Cardiff City tonight is likely to see a similar outpouring of emotion as a tribute to the great man.

The atmosphere at tonight's tie is likely to give the Cardiff team a boost and the Rovers can expect to have their work cut out to remain in the competition and progress to the semi-finals. For Rovers, the Carling Cup run has been one of few positives this season and the players will be looking to put their disastrous league form to one side.

Cardiff are in great form and are once again pushing for a place in the Premier League. They have gone 8 games undefeated and currently sit in third place. Peter Whittingham is likely to be the danger man if he starts the game, with four goals in five from midfield.

On their first visit to the Cardiff City Stadium, Rovers are likely to be without Chris Samba, whilst Martin Olsson and Ryan Nelsen have been ruled out. Michel Salgado and David Dunn are expected to return, whilst there could be starts for David Goodwillie, Radosav Petrovic and Mark Bunn.

Cup run so far

1st Round

Oxford United 1-3 Cardiff City (AET)

2nd Round

Cardiff City 5-3 Huddersfield Town (AET)

Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday

3rd Round

Cardiff City 2-2 Leicester City (Cardiff won 7-6 on penalties)

Blackburn Rovers 3-2 Leyton Orient

4th Round

Cardiff City 1-0 Burnley

Blackburn Rovers 4-3 Newcastle United (AET)

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