Opposition watch: Cardiff City

The low-down on this weekend's FA Cup opponents from South Wales

Having been pitted against each other four times previously in the history of the FA Cup with Wanderers’ currently holding the upper hand with two victories as opposed to Cardiff’s one, the Whites will be aiming to add another win to that statistic this weekend.

With the most recent FA Cup clash between the sides coming back in December 1999 when Eidur Gudjohnsen’s first half strike ensured Bolton’s progression at the expense of the Bluebirds, this fixture has since been played just twice, with those coming during the 2012/13 campaign.

The last time the teams met at the Reebok Stadium, the game marked the introduction of manager Dougie Freedman to the Bolton faithful, with Wanderers running out 2-1 winners that day courtesy of strikes from David Ngog and Martin Petrov in a 2-1 victory.

The Bluebirds weren’t to be denied altogether though, with Craig Noone’s equaliser at the Cardiff City Stadium back in April preventing the Whites from completing the double over their South Wales counterparts.

That match did however did see Cardiff crowned as Championship winners at the final whistle after an impressive campaign which saw them secure the league title and finish eight points clear of second placed Hull City.

Now in their inaugural season in the top flight, the opening months of the season have been somewhat difficult for the Bluebirds as a run of poor results coupled with the departure of manager Malky Mackay last month has left them rooted to the bottom of the league table, a point adrift of safety.

The installation of former Manchester United front man Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the hotseat earlier this month has lifted City’s spirits somewhat, with the Norwegian leading his new side to victory over Newcastle United in his first match in charge to set up Saturday’s clash with the Whites.

Having slipped to defeats against West Ham United and Manchester City in recent weeks however and just six wins to their name in all competitions so far this term, the Cardiff faithful will be hoping for another dose of cup magic when they travel north this weekend.
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