by Nathan Parker
THE most important club game in Welsh football takes place this Sunday as Swansea City host Cardiff City.
In the first derby since 2014, the Bluebirds travel to the Liberty Stadium looking to banish the memories of their last meeting with the Swans.
Nearly six years on and both teams find themselves five places apart in the middle of the table in England’s second division.
Since going eight games undefeated at the start of the season the Swans have laboured to one victory in their last seven, although they are only four points off top spot.
Steve Cooper has a fully fit squad to call upon and the Welshman is looking forward to the first meeting of the two sides since Swansea’s 3-0 victory in 2014.
Cooper told the club’s website, “Sunday is a sell-out. It’s a big game, we know that. I am just pleased we are at home whoever we are playing so we can face up to things and get over some hurdles.”
Cardiff City on the other hand have had a very much Jekyll and Hyde start to their campaign drawing six of their 13 games, with many fans questioning Neil Warnock’s style of play.
Having conceded two sloppy goals at Millwall in the Bluebirds 2-2 draw on Tuesday, Warnock called his side ‘charitable’ in defence.
Warnock told WalesOnline, “It’s probably the most frustrated I’ve been this season, it’s scandalous, really, I don’t know what to say.”
Cardiff City fans would have been boosted though by the return of Sol Bamba, although Warnock quashed any rumours of him playing in the derby saying he ‘isn’t 100%’.
Sunday’s clash will be the 67th meeting between the two rivals with Swansea winning 27 of the contests to the Bluebirds 22.
The south Wales derby at the Liberty Stadium kicks off at 12:00 on Sunday afternoon.
