Peter Whittingham has played in and won a few South Wales derbies and he's looking forward to the clash this Sunday believing Cardiff can compete with pre match favourites Swansea.
The visitors to Cardif City Stadium are in their third year at this level and have a reputation for possession football and lots of passes. Something Whitts appreciates but believes Cardiff can overcome.
“They have been in the Premier League longer than us and it may be that some people may class them as favourites – but we can’t see it that way,” said Whittingham.
“We know our team, we can pass the ball well and we work hard for each other.
“Everybody in our dressing room believes we can do well in the derby clash.
“Who may or may not be the favourites is not something we are thinking about.
“Yes, Swansea pass the ball well, they set up in the way which suits them and they knock it around.
“There could be times when we have to be patient and Swansea have possession.
“If that happens we have to stay compact and when we have possession work to expose Swansea.”
Cardiff's attention has now turned to the Super Sunday fixture against Swansea (live on Sky, ko 4:00pm) after the 0 - 0 draw at Norwich last Saturday. The performance was criticised as being too negative from Cardiff with the Bluebirds lucky to come away with a point. It was a point that took City up a place but the performance level will need to improve if Cardiff are to compete in the next four games.
They are against Swansea, Aston Villa, Man Utd and Arsenal.
“Every time I have played in a derby match for Cardiff the atmosphere has been amazing, like nothing I have known before,” Whittingham continued.
“If you can’t get up for this match you won’t feel anything about any match.
“For 15 to 20 minutes the pace is going to be fast and fierce before it starts to settle down.
“There will be plenty of tackles and players on both sides will be totally committed – and there is no question every player in our dressing room will be up for this.
“It’s massive for each one of us, but it is a match we think and hope we can win.
“It will be tough to stay cool in that atmosphere, but you must temper your own game because it would severely hurt your own team if you are sent off.
“People in our squad are talking about it now. That started after our draw at Norwich.
“Players have asked me what it’s like and I’ve told them to enjoy the occasion.
“Let’s just hope Cardiff players, staff and fans are able to enjoy it.”
Source: Cardiff City Online
Source: FOOTYMAD
