Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Southampton
The Bluebirds welcome Southampton to Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 3pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Southampton’s manager is Russell Martin, who moved to St Mary’s Stadium in June 2023 from Swansea City.
Martin operated as a defender in his playing days, representing the likes of Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough, prior to amassing 250 league appearances for Norwich City.
His first role in management was with MK Dons in November 2019, who he had joined as a player earlier that year.
In August 2021, Martin was named head coach of Swansea City, achieving 15th and 10th place finishes during his time at the club.
Since moving to Southampton last summer, he has won 27 of his 47 matches, with a win percentage of 57.45%.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
It’s been a promising season so far for the Saints, who remain in the hunt for the automatic promotion spots.
They currently sit fourth in the table, three points behind Leeds United, four points behind Leicester City and five points behind league-leaders Ipswich Town.
Martin’s side also have a game in-hand to their advantage, a crucial fixture against Leicester City which will take place next Tuesday.
In their last six matches, the Saints have recorded 11 points, meaning they are the fourth most in-form team in the division.
They have also been impressive on their travels this season, with 36 points from their away matches ranking third in the Championship.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Southampton’s most dangerous player this season has been attacker Adam Armstrong.
Having previously had permanent spells at Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, Armstrong joined the Saints in 2021.
So far this season, he has 20 goals to his tally, whilst also contributing with 13 assists.
Armstrong averages a goal every 178 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 63%.
REWIND | CITY’S RECORD
There have been 55 meetings between the two sides since Southampton won the first meeting in September 1913.
City have won 21 of those meetings, with 20 wins for the Saints and 15 clashes ending in a draw.
The last time the Bluebirds welcomed the Saints to Cardiff City Stadium, the game resulted in a 1-0 win for City, with Callum Paterson netting the winning goal.
Southampton’s last league win in the Welsh capital came back in December 2013.