Riza keen to protect 'massive' FA Cup history

Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says the FA Cup has lost some of its lustre in recent years but hopes the storied old competition can retain some prominence in the football calendar.

The Bluebirds travel to fellow Championship side Sheffield United for a third-round tie on Thursday (19:00 GMT).

With Cardiff battling to avoid relegation and the Blades fighting for promotion, both are expected to make wholesale changes as they concentrate on their league efforts after a busy festive schedule.

"The history of the FA Cup is massive and I don't think that will ever change," said Riza.

"But with so many more games involved now, teams have to take a different stance on it, especially those teams struggling to survive and looking to put their best team out in the league.

"We will approach the game hoping to put on a good show and trying to win."

It has become common for Premier League and Championship teams to field weakened teams in the FA Cup.

Fixture congestion is one of the main reasons, while other competitions are now often considered to be more prestigious.

Riza has personal experience of the FA Cup, having been a youth player at Arsenal when the first team lifted the trophy in 1998, while he has played for and coached non-league teams in the early rounds of the competition.

"The FA Cup is important, although I think it has become less important because of a number of factors," Riza added.

"I don't know if you stipulate that teams have to put out their strongest teams. It is difficult because there are so many games. You have to look at it that players get given an opportunity. It gives our youngsters, those who are ready, a chance to play.

"We've just about got enough to put out another competitive side who hopefully will go into the Sheffield United game to win it.

"But we do have to consider we have another game very quickly on Tuesday [at home to Watford in the Championship] and the players will need to be ready for that."