Villa won’t relish big clash with Bluebirds – Warnock
NEIL Warnock says Aston Villa won’t relish facing Cardiff City when the sides lock horns in a huge Championship clash at Villa Park tonight.
The Bluebirds go into the game in the Midlands on the back of an agonising 1-0 loss to league leaders Wolves in south Wales in what was their first league defeat since New Year’s Day.
It saw Cardiff’s 13-game unbeaten run come to an end, although the Bluebirds’ destiny remains firmly in their own hands ahead of their game against Steve Bruce’s men.
And Warnock admits that Cardiff’s opponents – who go into the mouthwatering contest on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road – will not look forward to facing the Bluebirds.
“They’re all big games now,” said Warnock after the Bluebirds’ defeat to Wolves.
“I think the teams we’re playing won’t look forward to playing us. So it depends which way you look at it. “We’ve got six games.
“You know what you’re going to get with us. We played some good stuff at times against a good side [Wolves].
“I think we had the better chances. You’ve got to take your hat off, it was a fabulous goal.
“But we kept going and I can’t fault the lads. I thought they gave it all. I don’t think you can ask any more than that.”
Aron Gunnarsson played the full 90 minutes in the loss to Wolves following a lengthy injury lay-off while Warnock has been quick to allay concerns over the fitness of Callum Paterson after the Scot was withdrawn in the second half against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Speaking about the midfield duo, the Yorkshireman said: “Paterson took a knock into his chest but he’s a big strong lad so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s fit. Nothing else really.
“At Sheffield United, it was difficult but gainst Wolves I thought he could do 90 minutes easily.”
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