Ahead for Pep’s juggernaut

something similar once before. Back in February 1991 his then-Second Division outfit Notts County took out Peter Reid’s Man City in the fifth round.

Should he repeat the feat against Guardiola’s class of 2018, Warnock knows it will be his finest one-off triumph yet. The Bluebirds chief said: “I suppose beating City in ’91 is the biggest scalp I’ve taken in the FA Cup. But beating Pep’s City would be even bigger – bloody hell, yes.

“They’re the best team in the world. I love watching them and I’m really looking forward to playing them. But I’m also dreading it because on a bad day they could turn us over – badly.

“It’s a massive challenge to face them and a manager like Pep. He just wants to be a winner. He knows he’s fortunate to be in his position but then he’s earned it with all his success.”

Asked if occupying the hotseat at one of the richest clubs on the planet would be less rewarding than rebuilding Cardiff into a potential Premier League side, Warnock gave a typically honest response.

“I’m not sure about it being more fun or not – but I’d be out of my depth at City with the sort of players Pep has. They’re all world-class,” said the former Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United boss.

“But managing is very similar. You make the best out of what you’ve got at a club. You adapt to the situation.”

As for the visitors’ bid to secure an unprecedented Quadruple, Warnock reckons they will need bags of good fortune to complete a clean sweep – home and abroad.

He added: “Yes, they could do it. They have have the quality. But you have to have a lot going for you to win the four trophies we’re talking about.” HARRY PRATT