MATCH PREVIEW: CARDIFF CITY VS 'BORO
Match Previews
20th October
CARDIFF CITY v MIDDLESBROUGH
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Date: Tuesday, 20th October 2015, 7:45pm K.O.
The Bluebirds return to the Welsh Capital to face third-placed Middlesbrough at Cardiff City Stadium.
THE OPPOSITION
Middlesbrough have made a terrific start to this year’s Sky Bet Championship as they look to go one further than last season, when they lost in the Play-Off Final to Norwich.
Aitor Karanka’s men won five matches on the bounce from August to September, firing them up the League table, while they’ve also reached the Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup, facing Manchester United next week.
New recruits Christian Stuani, David Nugent and the returning Stewart Downing have complemented an exceptionally strong Championship squad, which already included the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton.
Meanwhile, Boro’s defence of Tomáš Kalas, Daniel Ayala, Ben Gibson and George Friend is one of the most miserly in the division – having conceded a joint lowest seven goals.
CLUB CONNECTIONS
While former City loanee Dimi Konstantopoulos will line up between the sticks for Boro tomorrow evening, Sammy Ameobi spent time at the Riverside in 2013 – and scored against City in a 2-1 victory on his début.
City's 2003 Play-Off Final hero Andy Campbell started out with hometown Club Middlesbrough. He originally joined the Bluebirds on loan, scoring six goals in his first four games, before signing permanently and writing his name in Cardiff City folklore.
Three stars of Middlesbrough’s 2005/06 UEFA Cup exploits also went on to join City. While injury unfortunately forced Chris Riggott into an early retirement, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink helped the Bluebirds to the 2008 FA Cup Final, while Andrew Taylor made over 100 appearances for City before joining Wigan.
MEMORABLE MEETING
Middlesbrough 0-2 Cardiff City
The Riverside, FA Cup Quarter-Final 2007/08
City secured a famous away win over Premier League Middlesbrough to progress to the 2007/08 FA Cup Semi-Finals.
The Bluebirds went into the match as underdogs but, cheered on by a huge contingent of travelling City fans, took the lead through a moment of magic from Peter Whittingham.
Whitts won possession on the corner of the box and dragged the ball back, evading several Boro defenders, before curling it right-footed into the far top corner.
City’s no. 7 then turned provider as he whipped in a superb free-kick which Roger Johnson met with a diving header at the far post - sending the Bluebirds to Wembley.
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH WHITTS TALK THROUGH HIS FAMOUS GOAL
TICKETS: Online: www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity Phone: 0845 345 1400
LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from City v 'Boro.
WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD*
LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from City v 'Boro.
WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD*
WEB: We'll have live text updates via the official website throughout the match - cardiffcityfc.co.uk
SOCIAL: Live updates from CCS will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC.
*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on Smart Phones, with content available to subscribers 24/7.
SOCIAL: Live updates from CCS will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC.
*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on Smart Phones, with content available to subscribers 24/7.
