Cardiff City return to the Welsh Capital as they host Russell Martin's Southampton at the CCS.
The Opposition:
After an inconsistent start, Southampton clicked in late September and went on an impressive twenty-two game unbeaten run, this run saw them rocket up the Championship table and ahead of the last few weeks The Saints remain well in the automatic promotion mix. After a last gasp defeat to Ipswich at the start of the month, The Saints are unbeaten in four, winning three of those fixtures.
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.
Southampton sit fourth ahead of this one, and could equal Leeds in third with a victory.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this one on the back of a defeat against Millwall at The Den. Cardiff dominated the first-half but went in behind at the break, The Lions then secured the win late on after an underwhelming second half showing from Bulut's men.
If Cardiff are to be successful in this one, they must stay compact and let little through, and then making the most of their presence at set pieces, or, catch The Saints on the break.
Cardiff sit 11th ahead of this one.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Aaron Ramsey, Callum Robinson, Ryan Wintle, Mark McGuinness, Perry Ng, Karlan Grant, Jamilu Collins, Jak Alnwick, Kion Etete, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Josh Bowler and Callum O'Dowda all out for The Bluebirds.
Southampton - The Saints are without first-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. Larios and Stewart also out.
Preferred XI:
GK - Ethan Horvath
RB - Mahlon Romeo
RCB - Nat Phillips
LCB - Dimitrios Goutas
LB - Joe Ralls
LDM - David Turnbull
RDM - Manolis Siopis
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Ollie Tanner
LW - Cian Ashford
ST - Yakou Meite
Score Prediction:
Cardiff City 0-3 Southampton
Long day.
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