Leicester City must beat Cardiff City today to keep alive their season, manager Nigel Pearson believes.

The Bluebirds have been City's nemesis in the last two campaigns.

They knocked Pearson's City out of the play-offs after a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Cardiff nearly two years ago.

Then, City's play-off hopes were effectively dashed last season by a defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium after which the season fizzled out for Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad.

Pearson said City must overcome the Bluebirds this afternoon if this season is not to suffer a similar fate.

"First things first, we have to start winning games sharpish to keep the season going," said Pearson.

"We are losing ground but, looking at the bigger picture, I do believe we are in better shape now in terms of the squad and the types of players we have.

"But it remains very frustrating that we are not making progress in the league table. That remains something we are working at.

"This is a big week, with a trip to Watford on Tuesday as well, but they are all big weeks now and things can change very quickly. It remains tight and we have to make things happen ourselves.

"It will take more than a couple of wins but we need to get a run going, there is no doubt about that."

The last time Pearson faced Cardiff as City boss it was that fateful night when penalties from Yann Kermorgant and Martyn Waghorn were saved, ending City's Wembley dream.

Pearson left for Hull City soon after that disappointment.

But now he has returned and he said that evening will have no bearing on today's clash against Malky Mackay's Cardiff.

"It is difficult not to think about that night whenever I am reminded about it, but we are in a different scenario now so what has gone is gone," said Pearson.

"It is not something that has any bearing on preparations.

"They have had a very good season so far so we know it will be a tough game. But we need to bounce back ourselves.

"Malky has done well. He has had a full season with them and they have done very, very well so far.

"But as usual, it is about what we do ourselves on the day that matters."