FORMER Cardiff City favourite Danny Gabbidon is looking forward to getting one over on old rivals Swansea City this weekend.

The veteran Cwmbran-born defender is now playing for Crystal Palace and the Londoners welcome the Swans to Selhurst Park on Sunday lunchtime.

And having spent five years at Ninian Park between 2000 and 2005 it is a match that Gabbidon is relishing.

“I’m looking forward to facing Swansea and Cardiff as well,” said the 34-year-old Wales international.

“There are so many exciting games in the Premier League and we’re just trying to enjoy each one as they come along.

“Playing for Cardiff, Swansea is obviously the main enemy so if we can beat them there’ll be a lot of Cardiff fans thanking me.

“It will be a great game against a couple of the Wales boys Ashley Williams and Ben Davies and I want to play well and impress Chris Coleman.”

Gabbidon believes that the Bluebirds will follow Swansea’s lead in establishing themselves in the top flight this season.

“The game against Cardiff will be emotional for me as well and I think both Welsh clubs can stay in the Premier League,” he said.

“They have both bought well and added to what they had and they’ve both started the season well, which sets you up for the whole campaign.

“We’ve seen what Swansea have done over the last few years,” he added.

“They’ve done great the past couple of seasons and they’re in Europe this year, which may affect them, and I think Cardiff can stay up and match what Swansea have done.”

Gabbidon is delighted that Cardiff have finally achieved their Premier League dream after years of disappointment and he’s hoping his Palace side, who went up with Malky Mackay’s men last season, can avoid relegation this term.

“It’s where the city of Cardiff belongs I think with the stadium and the fanbase,” he said. “It’s all geared up for the Premier League and I think they can stay there. Hopefully we can do the same!

“If we finish fourth from bottom that is success for us this season and that is our aim – to stay in the division.”