Cardiff City prepare for Championship play-off clash with Fulham
Cardiff City are busy preparing for the first leg of their play-off tie against Fulham, a team that they have failed to beat on two previous occasions this season.
After drawing 1-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium last August, the London outfit ran out 2-0 winners in the second fixture between the sides earlier this month.
The Bluebirds will be hoping to follow Swansea, who secured a vital 1-0 victory in the first leg of their play-off match against Brentford yesterday.
Andre Ayew’s late strike gave Swansea the win over 10-man Brentford at the Liberty Stadium.
Cardiff manager Neil Harris has said he wants his side to enjoy the experience ahead of the match.
He said: "We will miss our fans, that’s for sure, in both semi-finals. The personality and the voice you can hear in certain players will be key again.
"We come into this a little bit as an underdog, certainly against Fulham. That’s why we can enjoy it and play without fear.
"We are playing well individually and collectively. I have huge faith."
Another player who posted a message on Twitter was forward Junior Hoilett.
Fulham's manager Scott Parker said he was hoping to secure an immediate Premier League return.
Cardiff City have been formidable at home in the Championship this season, losing just three matches on their own turf. However, Fulham have been equally as impressive on their travels, with only five teams bettering them on the road this campaign.
Fulham finished the season in fourth position in the table, with Cardiff just one place behind in fifth.
Manager Neil Harris took over the side from Neil Warnock in November with the club languishing in 14th place in the table following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
The two sides kick-off tonight at the Cardiff City Stadium at 7:45pm. Cardiff will then travel to Craven Cottage on Thursday for the second leg. The winner over the two games will then face either Swansea or Brentford at Wembley in the play-off final on 4 August.