Match Pack: Cardiff City vs Saints
Southampton are in Carabao Cup action for the first time this season, travelling to Wales to face Cardiff City in the second road. Find all you need to know with our Match Pack...
THE MATCH
Cardiff City vs Saints
Carabao Cup, second road
Cardiff City Stadium
Wednesday 28th August, 7.45pm BST
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Tom Nield
Assistants: Richard Wild and Hristo Karaivanov
Fourth official: Scott Jackson
WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
It will be a first competitive outing for the pink third kit, with white shorts and pink socks.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
For Saints victory on Wednesday night will be about much more than securing progression to the third round. After defeats in the opening two games of the Premier League season, a win in Wales will provide the perfect lift ahead of another tricky outing at Brentford on Saturday.
The midweek matchday will also give Russell Martin a chance to hand minutes to players in his squad who need it, notably new signings Lesley Ugochukwu and Mateus Fernandes and returning faces such as Adam Lallana.
TEAM NEWS
Martin gave a positive update on the fitness of trio Lallana, Kamaldeen and Ross Stewart, who are all close to a return to full fitness. Lallana could even be involved on Wednesday night.
The manager also confirmed Ugochukwu and Fernandes will both play a part at the Cardiff City Stadium.
THE MANAGERS
Erol Bulut: To follow.
Russell Martin: "We want to win. I don't want it to roll past the Cardiff game and the become even more difficult so the team that plays is one we think can win. Also they need an opportunity to show that they deserve to be in the team and everyone is up for grabs after two defeats.
"I'm really confident actually they can go there and put in a really good performance. I'm excited to see the team that we're playing. I'm excited to see some of the guys on there, some new players playing for the first time. Some young players playing that deserve the opportunity."
ONES TO WATCH
Callum Robinson: It's no secret Cardiff have had a difficult start to the new season, but experienced striker Robinson gave them Bluebirds a glimmer of hope on Sunday.
That equaliser off the bench during the South Wales derby was a much needed lift, and he will hope it comes with a place in the side for Wednesday.
Tyler Dibling: The 18-year-old's 10-minute cameo off the bench on Saturday was more enough to show Saints fans his capabilities going forward.
The direct runs in behind the Nottingham Forest midfield are starting to become a trademark of sorts, something Martin will want him to utilise in Cardiff.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 57
Cardiff: 22
Draws: 15
Saints: 20
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
April 2024: Cardiff 2-1 Saints (Aribo)
December 2023: Saints 2-0 Cardiff (A. Armstrong x2)
February 2019: Saints 1-2 Cardiff (Stephens)
December 2018: Cardiff 1-0 Saints
April 2014: Saints 0-1 Cardiff
KEEP UP TO DATE
Can't make the trip to Wales? Check out our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, with live streaming of the game, key updates and audio commentary of the match, and be sure to download the official Saints app and follow us on social media for further updates and exclusive content:
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