Match Preview | Southampton vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City take on Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, December 2nd, 3pm KO!

OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT

Southampton’s manager is Russell Martin, who was appointed in June 2023.

During his playing career, Martin represented the likes of Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough before going on to make over 250 league appearances for Norwich City.

He made the switch to management with MK Dons in November 2019, who he had joined as a player earlier in the year.

Martin managed alongside assistant Luke Williams with the Dons, who has recently gone on to lead Notts County back to the EFL following their promotion from the National League.

In August 2021, Martin was named head coach of Swansea City, achieving 15th and 10th place finishes during his time at the club.

Since taking over at Southampton this summer, the 37-year-old has won ten of his opening 19 matches, with a win percentage of 52%.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR

The Saints are currently fourth in the Championship table, having recorded 34 points from 18 matches.

They are also second in the form table, with four wins and two draws from their last six fixtures.

Last time out, Martin’s men claimed a 1-0 victory at home against Bristol City, with Kyle Walker-Peters netting a second half winner.

In terms of their home record, the Saints have won five, drawn two and lost two at St Mary’s this season, a record that ranks seventh in the division.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER

Southampton’s most dangerous player this season has been attacker Adam Armstrong.

The 26-year-old has ten goals to his tally in all competitions, whilst also contributing with four assists.

The striker averages a goal every 155 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 66%.

Armstrong joined the Saints from Blackburn Rovers in 2021 and has since amassed 85 appearances in all competitions.

REWIND | CITY’S RECORD

This Saturday’s fixture will be the 56th meeting between the Bluebirds and the Saints.

Of those matches, City have won 21, with 19 victories for Southampton, while 15 contests have ended in a draw.

The Bluebirds’ last trip to St Mary’s Stadium was a brilliant win back in February 2019.

Sol Bamba put City ahead in the second half, only for Jack Stephens to equalise late on for the Saints.

However, the Bluebirds found a dramatic 93rd minute winner through Kenneth Zohore, sparking memorable celebrations in the away end.