Southampton v Cardiff Preview
This game involves two sides with opposite goals as Southampton are aiming to beat the drop while Cardiff are looking to build on their current 4th place position. Considering the fact that Saints were in the top flight not so long ago while Cardiff were languishing in the lower leagues, it seems hard to believe that both sides find themselves in these predicaments.
Southampton manager Mark Wotte finally got his first win in charge of the club last weekend, as Saints went on to unexpectedly beat play off side Preston 3-1 at St Mary’s. However, despite the win, Wotte’s men are still stuck in the relegation zone and still classed as one of the favorites to go down this season. They’re currently in 23rd position, three points away from safety yet with a dreadful goal difference of -19, you really can’t see them exiting the bottom three this weekend. It was way back on the first day of the season when these two sides last met and with Cardiff nicking it with a last minute goal, it remains to be seen whether not the fixture will be as close this time around.
As for Cardiff, Dave Jones probably isn’t too happy with recent results for his side. The Bluebirds have drawn their last two against Wolves and QPR yet Jones has insisted that they should have got more – especially against the former. It took an absolutely horrendous goalkeeping error from Dimi Konstantopolous to get Wolves back into the game and with Cardiff having so many games in hand over the league leaders, those two dropped points could turn out to be crucial come the end of the season. Still, there’s no doubting that it’s been an excellent campaign for the Ninian Park outfit and while just one point is keeping them inside the top six, current form suggests that it’s unlikely they’ll drop below their current placing of 4th.
After Mark Wotte’s first victory in charge of Saints last weekend, it’s thought that the Dutchman will name an unchanged side. That could upset £1.2m summer signing Morgan Schneiderlin though who is now available again having served a one game suspension. Elsewhere, Paul Wotton has a chance of featuring after recovering from an injury, although Wotte won’t be able to turn to Kayne McLaggon who has been ruled out for the rest of the season. As for Cardiff, they have plenty of bad news. Dave Jones’ strikeforce has been severely hampered with Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd both extremely doubtful through injuries. With Kevin McNaughton and Gavin Rae also doubts, there could be plenty of reshuffling for Jones heading into this one.
The bookies may list Cardiff as favorites here, but we think differently. The Bluebirds are missing several key players and with Southampton having a spring in their step following last week’s win, we’re going for a home victory – 1-0.
