Southampton vs Cardiff City
Date: 09/02/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: St Mary’s Stadium
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Southampton host Cardiff City on Saturday in what will be a crucial game at the foot of the Premier League table.
The Saints are the side who are on the right side of the line as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side currently sit 16th in the table. The 24 points they have accumulated are just two more than opponents Cardiff with Burnley sandwiched between the two. Hassenhuttl has brought about improvement since taking over from Mark Hughes but there is still a long way to go for the former RB Leipzig manager. The Saints are actually unbeaten in their last five league games which will set them up nicely for this encounter.
Meanwhile, Cardiff are coming off an incredibly emotional game last time out. They hosted Bournemouth in what was the first home game since the disappearance of their record signing Emiliano Sala. The Bluebirds won in impressive fashion and the scenes were amazing at the Cardiff City Stadium later on. Neil Warnock’s side will no doubt have a spring in their step, as they head to the coast for a crucial game.
Southampton drew at Burnley last time out and they will be happy to return to St Mary’s for this one. Both sides are essentially avoiding that dreaded 18th spot and the three points will be immensely valuable to either. Cardiff’s away form will worry Warnock and they will go into the tie as underdogs in a fixture which is set to be tense with both sides not wanting to lose.
Team News
Southampton
The Saints will be without their main man up front as Danny Ings is out with a thigh problem. Hasenhuttl did not provide the extent of the injury, and he is set to watch the Cardiff game from the sidelines. Either one of Charlie Austin and Shane Long will lead the line for Southampton in Ings’ absence.
Two of their midfield enforcers are in doubt as well; Mario Lemina sustained a chest injury and the chances of him featuring are low. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suffered a face injury though he could make a return to make the lineup. Both midfielders have been crucial for Southampton, and the absence of either one of them will be felt keenly.
Aside from these, Michael Obafemi is the only absentee as the youngster is out with a thigh problem. Hasenhuttl will surely continue with a three-man backline, but choices will have to be made in midfield and attack. James Ward-Prowse could play as a wing-back or in midfield, which could bring Jan Valery into the lineup. Nathan Redmond will be partnered by either Long or Austin in the attack.
Cardiff City
Neil Warnock has a few injury concerns to deal with, captain Sean Morrison is still out due to the problem he suffered a couple of weeks ago. He has missed the last three league games and it seems unlikely that he will make a return against Southampton.
The same defence which held Bournemouth at bay last time will be deployed by Cardiff. In midfield, Victor Camarasa is a doubt as well – the Spaniard has been brilliant for the Welsh side, providing the spark in the centre of the park. If he fails to recover, Joe Ralls will step in.
Bobby Reid looks set to retain his place after his brace secured the three points for Cardiff last time. Oumar Niasse will partner him up front and Callum Paterson will most likely occupy a position on the right. Harry Arter can also return, which will put Aron Gunnarsson’s position at stake.
Predicted Starting XIs
Southampton (3-5-2): McCarthy; Bednarek, Stephens, Vestergaard; Targett, Armstrong, Romeu, Slattery, Ward-Prowse; Redmond, Long
Cardiff City (4-1-4-1): Etheridge; Bennett, Ecuele Manga, Bamba, Peltier; Gunnarsson; Murphy, Ralls, Reid, Paterson; Niasse
Score Prediction: Southampton 2 Cardiff City 1
Southampton have looked bright at home under Hasenhuttl and coupled with Cardiff’s woeful away form it looks as though a home win is on the cards. It will be close though, considering what is at stake for both the sides.
