U21 Match Preview | Sunderland vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City's U21 side continue their Premier League Cup campaign with a trip to face Sunderland on Monday night - 7pm KO.

Following a narrow defeat in their campaign opener against Reading in August, the young Bluebirds are looking to capitalise on their most recent form ahead of their journey to the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground.

The Black Cats have played both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Reading so far in their cup campaign, falling to a defeat on both occasions. Facing the Royals at home in October, they were defeated 3-1.

Ahead of the fixture, U21s Manager Darren Purse discussed the preparations that have been made for an important cup tie away from home:

"We'll be going there expecting the boys to put in a good performance," said Darren. "You've got to test yourself, and this is another example of us trying to push the U21 side. This is a chance to play against good opposition from a Category One academy side.

"We'll have to adapt, but the boys have put in a massive amount of effort with the travelling for the fixtures that we've had over the last few weeks.

"They'll have to step up again and perform, which is more good preparation for the next steps as they look to play senior football."