Southampton vs Cardiff: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 9th February 2019

England Premier League
Saturday 9th February 2019
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: St Mary's Stadium

Match Preview:

Both clubs need the 3 points but there will be quite a sombre atmosphere at St Mary’s as it was confirmed that Emiliano Sala, Cardiff’s new signing, was killed in a plane crash and his body has been identified.

It has been an incredibly difficult few weeks for Cardiff’s players and manager Neil Warnock who did give a statement in his press conference for this game. It’s impossible to think that his club have prepared in the right way for this match, but at the same time they will want to give a good performance in what has been a very difficult situation for them and for football as a whole.

Southampton lead Cardiff by 2 points and are in very good form having gone their last 5 matches without defeat. They look like a different team and should be safe this season after matches which have ended in beating the likes of Leicester and drawing away to Chelsea- those results would arguably have not have been possible under former manager Mark Hughes.

The Saints last game at home ended in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and while they have only won 2 games at home all season these have come in the last few months.

Cardiff are in 18^th place but last weekend they picked up their 6^th win of the season by beating Bournemouth 2-0. This is The Bluebirds only win so far in 2019.

Neil Warnock’s side have won just 1 game all season away from home scoring just 7 goals which is the worst record in the Premier League. However a win would surely see them escape the bottom three positions.

Team News:

Southampton: Danny Ings is out for at least 2 weeks with a hamstring injury. Michael Obafemi is struggling with fitness and looks set to miss this game

Cardiff: Victor Camarasa will be assessed for this game after receiving a knock

Southampton vs Cardiff Head to Head:

Cardiff have won the last 2 meetings winning each one with the same score line of 1-0.

Southampton have not beaten Cardiff at home since 2009.

3 of the last 4 meetings have ended in under 2.5 goals.

Southampton vs Cardiff Prediction:

Cardiff are going to give a lot of effort in this game make no mistake, but they won’t be in the same professional level as the hosts for this game. Southampton have had some time to prepare for this game and are in form and have home advantage. It is difficult to look past The Saints getting victory here even though Cardiff have enjoyed playing them in the last few seasons. We do not expect to see many clear cut chances on goal and it could take something special to seperate the two sides in a real bottom half of the table clash.

Southampton vs Cardiff Betting Tips:

Southampton to beat Cardiff at 1.80

Under 2.5 goals at 1.72