Cardiff v Arsenal, FA Cup fourth round
Venue: Ninian Park Date: Sunday, 25 January Kick-off: 1330 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, coverage on BBC local radio, score updates and text commentary on BBC Sport website

Joe Ledley played against Arsenal in their FA Cup defeat three years ago

Joe Ledley has told his Cardiff City team-mates to rise to the occasion and cause an FA Cup shock in their fourth round clash with Arsenal.

Ledley has not lost in his eight games as Bluebirds skipper and is keen to inspire his team to glory, securing his place as a legend in his home city.

Arsenal visit last season's FA Cup finalists on Sunday and Ledley says they cannot wait to prove themselves.

"We must thrive in these games, we all want to play in big games," he said.

Wales international midfielder Ledley has been linked with a £6m move away from Cardiff with Premier League new boys Stoke City apparently leading the chase.

But leading his beloved Bluebirds to a memorable FA Cup scalp over Arsenal, in possibly his last Cardiff act, would secure him a place in club folklore.

"We can't wait to play Arsenal," Cardiff talisman Ledley told BBC Sport.

606: DEBATE I don't think Joe will go this month. If we don't go up this season, he could leave Cardiff in the summer HT - (CCFC 606 Chief of Staff)

"We are unbeaten in 10 games and the boys are flying. Confidence is high... we will be trying to win against Arsenal."

Cardiff's most famous win over the Gunners came in 1927 when they became the only team to take the world's most famous domestic trophy outside of England with a 1-0 win at Wembley.

Cardiff were then one of the top teams in the Football League but now they are battling for a place back in the top flight.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal are one of European football's giants, winning the Premier League and FA Cup four times since the Frenchman took charge in 1996.

But since winning the 2005 FA Cup in Cardiff - beating Manchester United on penalties - Arsenal have suffered a trophy-less period - barren by their standards.

Wenger's team are regulars in the Premier League's top four places, but this year they are struggling to make their mark.

"Some people are telling me that they are not playing well and their players are not on song," said Cardiff boss Dave Jones.

"But they're fifth in the Premier League."

Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd started his career at Arsenal before Wenger released him in 2000 and he admits playing his old club is a "great bonus."

"It will be a big test for us," said Bothroyd.

"Everyone is looking forward to it and as long as we give a good account ourselves we'll be happy.

"They're the Premier League side and are expected to win so we've got nothing to lose."

Meanwhile, Cardiff have sold the remaining tickets for Sunday's clash at Ninian Park, with a crowd of just over 20,000 expected.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version