'Boro Fan's View On Cardiff Clash

Vital Cardiff City sought out a big Middlesbrough fan ahead of the highly enticipated FA Cup quarter final clash. We spoke to Chris O`Brien, a former resident of Cardiff but originally from Middlesbrough and having returned there several years ago:



A good position in the Premiership - a good season for Middlesbrough?

We are in a good position but when you look close there are loads of teams around us and we could easily get drawn into a relegation battle. Fortunately there`s only one spot left and plenty of teams but I`d be happy to finish in 10th or 11th.


How do you rate Southgate as a manager?

Yeah so far so good. He`s popular with the players which is huge, and obviously with the chairman who backed him to sign Alves. I`d like to see an improvement next season and I`m fairly confident we`ll get that.


What do you know about Cardiff City?

I follow the scores a little. When I was in Cardiff they had Kavanagh and Gabbidon and there was loads of hype and positive feeling. Now you guys got promoted and all I hear is moaning from Cardiff fans! I`m sure the crowds you get now are smaller than they used to be so I cant see you doing much better than mid-table for the next few seasons unless Robbie Fowler somehow loses 10 years!



Middlesbrough player to watch?

Alfonso Alves is who we`ll all be watching, we all want to see what he`s capable of and he`s looked ok so far without too much gametime. Given that we don`t know if/how much he`ll play then Stewart Downing is the dangerman - I`ve been really impressed with him recently and if we get the ball to him enough - we should win comfortably.


Anyone to threaten you in Cardiff`s line-up?

Jimmy`s still the man! I don`t know much other than the names of most Cardiff players but Hasselbaink was and always will be pure class. I saw the goal against Wolves and a part of me would love to see him score at Riverside on Sunday - hopefully we`ll be 4 or 5 up by then though!


Prediction for the game

If we were away, I`d be worried but I really think we`ll be too strong for Cardiff. Could be interesting if you got the first goal but I think we will score 3 goals or more. 4-1 to Boro.