Onward- but can we take the next step

CARDIFF CITY moved on to the least eight last night in the Carling Cup after a tense 1-0 over Burnley at the Cardiff City Stadium. Cardiff has not reached the dizzy heights of the quarterfinals in this competition in 46 years and when on to reach the semi-finals they lost 10-3 to West Ham over two legs.

The much-maligned Carling Cup by chairman, managers and fans alike will hot up now with Wembley Way a tad closer. Managers who treat the games as a chance to play fringe players may have to rethink the policy.

Therefore, we know three of the teams that will be in the draw for the draw Saturday during Sky sports Soccer Saturday day show. Manchester United, Chelsea and Championship rivals Crystal Palace another four will come from the winners of

Blackburn v Newcastle

Everton v Chelsea

Stoke v Liverpool

Wolves v Man City

Of them, I expect Newcastle, Chelsea, Stoke and Manchester City to go through would be nice if Liverpool could make it more likely of one of the bigger teams pulling Cardiff. Yes disrespectful the Stoke, but it's simple numbers they would create a bigger payday for the club.

Most fans want Manchester United, but thinking about I would like an all Championship fixture. Palace may be three points and four places above the Bluebirds it would be more of an even playing field. Not a big name are game by a long way however I could lead to a semi-final spot who knows that is the beauty of the Cup.

Which would be better a home or away draw? I would plum for an home game which will bring problems if it was United, Chelsea and one of the other top teams. Not that Cardiff couldn’t stage the game but the demand for tickets. Cardiff City v Manchester United fixture could fill the Millennium Stadium let alone the CCS with its 26,828 capacity.

Come Saturday we will know and then it will start. There will be a clamour for tickets who ever Cardiff draws. It will be the biggest crowd for a League Cup game in a long while. Even if the game is away from home, I can see the away allocation selling out.