Dougie Freedman: Pressure is on Cardiff

Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman believes that the pressure is on opponents Cardiff City ahead of their Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

An Anthony Gardner header gives the Eagles a one-goal advantage heading into the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow night.

However Freedman has pointed to Cardiff's failures in big games over the past few years and feels there is an expectation on the Bluebirds to succeed this time around.

"I think they are under more pressure to succeed. Maybe not in this competition, but with the money they have spent this season," he said.

"Their fans expect to succeed, they are a passionate crowd and one that has nearly got there. In the play-off games they have always been a nearly team, nearly getting there."

Palace currently sit 13th, ten places behind Cardiff in the Championship table.