Emirates FA Cup Preview | Sheffield Wednesday vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City begin the Emirates FA Cup campaign by travelling to Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon.
Find ticket information and a guide for away supporters here!
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Sheffield Wednesday’s manager is Danny Röhl, who has been in the position since October, replacing previous boss Xisco Muñoz.
Having began his coaching career at RB Leipzig, the German later worked for the likes of Southampton and Bayern Munich.
The 34-year-old has held a position as assistant manager of the German national team.
Since moving to Hillsborough, the Owls have won six of his 15 games in charge, with a 40% win percentage.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
Wednesday have struggled so far this season, currently sitting 22nd in the Sky Bet Championship table, with just six wins from 26 fixtures.
However, the last two league games have seen the Owls record six points, as they have earned wins over Preston North End and Hull City.
As their attention turns to the Emirates FA Cup this weekend, the side will take encouragement from last season’s showing in the competition.
After defeating Morecambe and Mansfield Town in the early rounds, the Owls claimed an impressive scalp, as they beat Premier League side Newcastle United in the Third Round.
However, a Fourth Round replay saw Wednesday bow out of the competition at the hands of Fleetwood Town.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS | FIRST AND LAST
The first ever meeting between the Bluebirds and the Owls was at Hillsborough back in December 1920.
City claimed all three points thanks to a goal from striker George West, who also scored the winning goal in the reverse fixture just seven days later.
That season, the Bluebirds would go on to finish as runners-up in the Second Division, despite being level on points with Birmingham City, as both clubs were promoted.
In City’s last meeting with the Owls in December, Anthony Musaba put the hosts ahead, but Erol Bulut’s men showed character to bounce back.
Karlan Grant found the bottom corner to equalise, before striker Kion Etete played a big part in defender Akin Famewo turning the ball into his own net just two minutes before added time, as City claimed all three points.
CLUB CONNECTION | GLENN LOOVENS
Defender Glenn Loovens was a popular figure during his time as a Bluebird, initially joining on loan from Feyenoord in 2005, before making the move permanent a year later.
Forming some strong partnerships with the likes of Darren Purse and Roger Johnson during his time in the Welsh capital, the centre-back was part of the side that reached the FA Cup Final in 2008.
After spells at Celtic and Zaragoza, Loovens joined Sheffield Wednesday and was later named club captain.
The defender went on to make over 100 league appearances for the Owls, making a hugely positive impression with both clubs.
