Cardiff vs Southampton: Premier League – Pre-match thoughts

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: Nathan Redmond of Southampton shoots during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: Nathan Redmond of Southampton shoots during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Southampton players applaud fans during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Wembley Stadium on December 5, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Southampton players applaud fans during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Wembley Stadium on December 5, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Southampton face their first match under the guidance of Ralph Hasenhuttl this afternoon as they meet Cardiff City.

The game will give an important indication for both the Austrian and the Saints fans about which players are up for the fight to get themselves out of relegation trouble.

They can certainly expect a battle at the Cardiff City Stadium too with the homes side being particularly strong on their own turf this season.

Despite that though, a new manager in Hasenhuttl may give the Saints players that boost that will be needed to get just their second victory of the Premier League campaign to date.

Here are three pre-match thoughts ahead of the game: