Five of the Best: Liverpool Links
The Bluebirds face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, 27th October for matchday ten of the 2018/19 Premier League season.
City have had many notable connections to the Reds and ahead of the match, Richard Early reflects on some of our finest…
Gunnar knows Liverpool...
Aron Gunnarsson is the only member of Cardiff City’s current squad to have faced Liverpool as a Bluebird. The now 29-year-old started in the 2011/12 Carling Cup Final against the Reds at Wembley Stadium and in City’s Anfield trip during the 2013/14 Premier League campaign.
On Saturday, 20th October, the midfielder made his opening appearance of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, starting in the Bluebirds’ 4-2 victory at home to Fulham and travels to Anfield for the second time as a City player this weekend.
Captain Hudson passes fit to face the Reds!
Ahead of the 2011/12 Carling Cup Final, City were given a massive boost through the news that captain Mark Hudson had passed his late fitness test to compete against Liverpool. The Bluebirds defeated Oxford United, Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace en route to the final and Hudson’s news gave the Bluebirds support added excitement prior to the occasion.
As a central defender, Hudson made 165 appearances for Cardiff City, scoring 11 goals between July 2009 and September 2014. Now, the 36-year-old, coaches at Huddersfield Town.
The fans came in their thousands…
On Sunday, 26th February 2012, thousands of Bluebirds fans made the trip to London, with the thought of watching their beloved Cardiff City face Liverpool in the Carling Cup Final, firmly in their minds. City’s support made up a large contingent of the 89,041 in attendance at Wembley Stadium and certainly made their passionate voices heard throughout the match.
That same incredible support is still demonstrated at each Cardiff City game, home and away.
Bellamy faces former club at CCS
Craig Bellamy lined up for the Bluebirds, against his previous club Liverpool in the Premier League at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, 22nd March 2014. It was the first time that the forward faced the Reds as a City player and it was the final time that he played against them, retiring from professional football just two months later, aged 35.
The former Welsh international is now Head Coach of Cardiff City U18 side and plays a major role in the Academy’s development.
Fowler returns to Anfield as a Bluebird!
Robbie Fowler signed for Cardiff City in July 2007, shortly after departing Liverpool and three months later, the forward played against his former club. On Wednesday, 31st October 2007, Robbie returned to Anfield as a Bluebird and faced the Reds in Round Four of the Carling Cup. The then 32-year-old was still a favourite with the home support and his name echoed around the stadium prior to kick-off – a welcoming touch.
The Toxteth-born striker went on to have a hip operation in January 2008 and as a result, he made a total of 16 appearances for City, scoring six goals during his one season at the club.
