Cardiff City's busy festive period starts at in-form Southampton.
The Opposition:
Following Southampton's relegation last season, The Saints appointed Swansea City manager Russell Martin. The Scotsman was faced with the task of replacing the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia. This summer, Martin made eight new additions. Ross Stewart from Sunderland, Shea Charles from Manchester City, Ryan Manning from Swansea, Joe Lumley from Middlesbrough, Flynn Downes from Southampton, Ryan Fraser from Newcastle, Mason Holgate from Everton and Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City.
Southampton is a typical Russell Martin side: intricate build-up play, aggressive (very high) pressing & huge ball retention all aimed at swamping opponents and either forcing a mistake or overwhelming a defence. Martin, prioritizes making the pitch as wide as possible with wing-backs staying on the edge of the final third and lots of rotation in midfield.
The Bluebirds:
Erol Bulut's Bluebirds are coming off the back off an underwhelming performance against West Brom. The Bluebirds lacked rhythm in the final third and ultimately payed the price, they will hope to change this against an impressive Southampton.
If Cardiff are to be successful at St. Mary's then I could see the game playing out similairly to The Bluebirds win against Sunderland. Staying compact and letting little through, and then making the most of our presence at set pieces, or, catch The Saints on the break.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Karlan Grant and Jamilu Collins are back available after missing out in midweek. O'Dowda and Ramsey remain out.
Southampton - Ross Stewart, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Juan Larios and Jack Stphens are all out for the hosts.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
RB - Perry Ng
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LCB - Jonathan Panzo
LB - Jamilu Collins
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Callum Robinson
RW - Josh Bowler
LW - Karlan Grant
ST - Ike Ugbo
Prediction:
Southampton 2-1 Cardiff City
Would it be typical Cardiff City to go to Southampton and win? Yes, but that's just the Championship. However, I do see Southampton being just too much for Erol Bulut's side.
Comments