By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Roberto Martinez is ready to rotate his squad for tonight's derby clash with Cardiff City but insists: "Whoever plays will defend our colours."

The Swansea City boss risks the wrath of his own fans if he shuffles his squad for the first meaningful South Wales squabble in nine years and loses.

But Martinez has indicated that he will stick with his policy of mixing things up in the Carling Cup even though Cardiff are in town.

"We have got a big squad, a capable squad, and this is where we find out about our strength," he said.

"We are in the middle of a demanding period and we have to share the effort, otherwise there is no point in having a squad.

"You should know by now that I haven't got a strongest side.

"Whoever plays will be there because they are ready, and I can guarantee you that the team we pick will be expected to go out and perform.

"It will be a good enough team to beat Cardiff, and I know our fans realise that names don't win games.

"They have always been good at analysing games and they know attitude and performances are what count."

The likes of Ashley Williams, Ferrie Bodde and Darren Pratley are among those who look most likely to sit out if Martinez does not fool everyone by picking something close to his regular Championship line-up.

Jason Scotland, Tom Butler, Mark Gower and Marcos Painter — ankle injury permitting — are all on standby to return after sitting out at the weekend, while the likes of Jordi Gomez, Owain Tudur Jones and Albert Serran could also feature.

Unlike Martinez, Cardiff boss Dave Jones has no history of mixing things up in this competition and is expected to field something close to his strongest possible line-up.

"They have big experience in their ranks and talented players who can win a game in an instant," Martinez added.

"It's a big challenge for us, but games like this are the reason we are involved in football.

"This derby has all the ingredients to be a perfect occasion for Welsh football.

"It doesn't matter how many local players will be involved. Every one of our lads is attached to their colours and they will defend them."

Barring an FAW Premier Cup final meeting in 2002, Swansea and Cardiff have not met since a goalless draw at Ninian Park in 1999.

Premier Cup aside, Swansea have been the dominant force in recent times, losing just one of the last nine derby encounters.

Martinez's men have not lost at home in their last seven matches, while Cardiff are yet to lose a game this season.

"Like Hull in 2003 and Leeds last season, the atmosphere tonight is going to stay in the memory for a long time," the Spaniard said.

"But it's important we play the game and not the occasion and keep a cool feeling around our performance."

A home win tonight would see Swansea match their best performance in the competition.

They have reached the fourth round twice before, in 1964-5 and 1976-7.