Freedman expects tough Cardiff clash
December 01, 2011 08:24:04 UK
There will be a Championship side in the final of this season's Carling Cup after Crystal Palace were drawn to play Cardiff City in the semi-finals of the competition.
Dougie Freedman's side set up the clash by shocking Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday and are now 1213.00 to win the Carling Cup.
Cardiff are an exceptional team with good quality players and it's probably made it a harder draw for us.
Dougie Freedman
The Bluebirds, who had beaten Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, will play Palace in a two-legged affair, the first at Selhurst Park in the week commencing 9th January, and the second a fortnight later in south Wales.
The victors will face either Manchester City or Liverpool in the Wembley final.
Freedman said after the draw had been made: "It's going to be a very difficult tie for us. Cardiff are an exceptional team with good quality players and it's probably made it a harder draw for us."
Palace broke the deadlock in the 65th minute against Sir Alex Ferguson's team when Darren Ambrose smashed home a superb long-range effort but the match moved into extra time as a result of Federico Macheda's penalty.
However, substitute Glenn Murray bundled home the winner in extra time and the Eagles held on to secure a famous victory.
Cardiff are 7.00 to win the Carling Cup while Manchester City can be backed at 51.00 and Liverpool at 1.11.
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