Following 3 successive defeats on the road, Saints have to maintain their strong home form and beat Cardiff if promotion is going to be achieved this season.
This already crucial six-pointer is guarenteed added spice with the return of ex-Saints boss Dave Jones. Jones would love to put one over Southampton who dismissed him while he was facing unfounded claims of child abuse in early 2000.
Cardiff are likely to fill their allocation of about 3,500 with their usual vociferous support, but Saints fans could be unwilling to part with £28 given the team’s recent form. George Burley is hoping for nothing less than a win to keep in touch with the top 6 and reassure disgruntled fans that he is the man for the job.
Vital Quotes:
George Burley – ‘We have a big test coming up with two home games and we need to win them both
Southampton Team News:
Kenywne Jones and Djamel Belmadi are both doubtful with ankle and calf injuries respectively, while Jermaine Wright could also miss out with a thigh problem.
Out: Michael Svensson (knee)
Player to watch: Home Player to Watch:
Danny Guthrie – With Belmadi and Wright doubtful, the youngster could make his first home start and will be keen to show the sort of form that has seen him dubbed as ‘the next Steven Gerrard’ by Liverpool fans.
Cardiff City Team News:
Captain Darren Purse is available after a back problem has kept him out of City’s last seven games but Cardiff are likely to field an unchanged side from the one that beat Norwich on Saturday.
Player to watch: Away Player to Watch:
Michael Chopra – The Bluebirds top scorer has bagged 21 goals this season and will be looking to take advantage of a leaky Saints defence.
Match Facts & Stats
Recent meetings:
Cardiff 1-0 Southampton (17/10/06)
Southampton 3-2 Cardiff (1/4/06)
Next Fixtures:
16/3/07 – Colchester United (Home)
31/3/07 – Wolves (Away)
7/4/07 – Luton (Away)
