Tottenham Hotspur in profile

Cardiff City play host to one of the Premiership`s top teams in an FA Cup 3rd round encounter to be televised live on Sky this Sunday. Tottenham Hotspur travel to Ninian Park for what should be a tough test for both sides and an intuiging encounter.

Martin Jol`s side are packed with talent and occupy 7th place in the Premiership after some inconsistent form recently. They have beaten Chelsea already this season but have lost games on a regular basis and have been unable to produce the consistency of form required to challenge for a Champions League place.

It is noticeable their away form that has let the North Londoner`s down this season. They have taken 15 points from the last 18 on offer at home, but only 5 points from 18 away from home including a 3-0 defeat in the North London derby against fierce rivals Arsenal. Jermain Defoe and Dimitar Berbatov have 11 league goals between them this season and will cause problems for any defence.

Another plus for Tottenham Hotspur this season has been their cup form. Wins against MK Dons, Port Vale and Southend have seen them move into the Carling Cup Semi Final where they could meet Arsenal or Liverpool. Spurs have also been dominant in Europe this season winning all 4 of their UEFA cup group B matches so far and now play Dutch side Feyenoord in the 1st knock-out stage of the competition.

Cardiff City won the last FA Cup meeting between the two sides back in January 1977 with City legend Peter Sayer of Pentrebane scoring the only goal to send the Bluebirds through. Sayer this week predicted a similar result this time round for Cardiff City with another homegrown talent, Joe Ledley to get the goal. Tottenham crashed out to Championship side Leicester City at this stage last year and will have to deal with an intimidating atmosphere at Ninian Park as they try to banish their away-day blues.

The game is not quite a sell out as Tottenham were advised against requesting their full allocation so the Grange End is available for some Cardiff fans. It promises to be a good day with two good footballing sides on show. Spurs boast a wealth of talent in their squad but are certainly beatable, especially vulnerable away from home and if Cardiff can re-produce some of their early season form then the Bluebirds stand a decent chance of progressing.