Southampton begin their EFL Cup campaign with a trip to the Welsh capital.

Cardiff vs Southampton: Carabao Cup Preview, Second Round, 2024

Southampton begin their EFL Cup campaign with a trip to the Welsh capital.

Southampton get their Carabao Cup campaign underway when they take on Cardiff City on Wednesday evening, with the Saints looking to pick up their first victory of the season.

Back-to-back 1-0 defeats in their opening two Premier League fixtures leaves Southampton as one of only five sides yet to acquire a point in the top-flight, despite Russell Martin‘s side impressing and dominating possession across both games.

However, due to lacking a cutting edge in the final third, the Saints have struggled to produce any meaningful efforts on goal – registering just one shot on target against Nottingham Forest on Saturday compared to their opponents’ eight – leaving much to be desired.

As for Cardiff, they have had a disastrous start to the season under new manager Erol Bulut, with the Bluebirds bottom of the Championship after losing two and drawing one. Their only win so far came in the opening round of this competition, where they beat Bristol Rovers 2-0.

But, a late draw against rivals Swansea in their most recent outing could boost spirits amongst the Cardiff squad, although it won’t be easy against a Southampton side who have a point to prove.

Team News

Cardiff:

A lengthy injury list for the Bluebirds means that Joe Ralls, Ryotaro Tsunoda, Will Fish, Kion Etete, Isaak Davies and Jamilu Collins will all miss out.

Callum Robinson netted Cardiff’s first league goal of the season at the weekend against Swansea, and he is expected to replace Wilfried Kanga in attack, whilst former Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi could start.

Southampton:

For the away side, Russell Martin confirmed in his press conference today that his squad is close to full fitness, with Adam Lallana returning and in contention for this game.

Ross Stewart and Kamaldeen Sulemana are also back in training but this tie will come too soon for the pair, whilst Juan Larios is gaining match fitness with the under-21’s.

The manager also confirmed Mateus Fernandes and Lesley Ugochukwu will be starting, whilst Cameron Archer, Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards could all also receive their first start. Youngsters Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw are likely to feature in, what is expected to be, a heavily rotated side.