Cardiff vs Southampton Predictions

Cardiff were the hot favourites for relegation this season after their unexpected promotion from the Championship last term, and while they are far from clear of danger yet there is a certain optimism around the Cardiff City Stadium at the moment.

Just a couple of months ago The Bluebirds headed into a home match against Fulham with only 2 points from a possible 24 in the Premier League, but that 4-2 win over the struggling Cottagers seemed to light a new fire under Neil Warnock’s men.

Now, they come into this game having won 3 of their last 7 league matches, pushing them up to 16th in the table and 2 points clear of the relegation zone. They are still under threat of relegation, but on current form they are nowhere near the worst side in the league.

That mantle could conceivably fall to Southampton. The Saints’ annual tradition of selling off their star players has finally caught up with them, and they come into this match on the back of an 11 match winless streak in the Premier League.

Mark Hughes felt the full force of the board this week as he was sacked a couple of days after their 2-2 draw with Manchester United, and caretaker manager Kelvin Davies oversaw a 3-1 loss against Spurs in midweek. On Saturday a 3rd manager will take charge of the team, with former RB Leipzig boss Ralph Hasenhuttl being appointed and looking to salvage this sinking ship.

A win on Saturday could take Southampton out of the relegation zone and as high as 15th in the table, but they have lost 6 of their 8 Premier League away days this season and now come face to face with a resurgent Cardiff side. The hosts have won 3 of their last 4 home games, only losing to Leicester in this period.

There is an argument for Hassenhuttl’s arrival to spark a honeymoon period of Southampton revival, but there’s only so much a new manager can do. Southampton have conceded a massive 19 goals in their 8 away games this season and have shipped 12 of those in the last 3 outings. They have also lost 7 of their last 8 away games against Cardiff, so we like the look of a Cardiff Win here along with a 2-1 correct score predictions.