PREM: Cardiff v Southampton preview

Cardiff v Southampton preview

Ralph Hassenhuttl takes charge of Southampton for the first time against Cardiff City on Saturday.

The former RB Leipzig boss has been appointed to replace Mark Hughes, who was sacked after a 2-2 draw with Manchester United last weekend.

Saints are on a 13-match winless run, their longest streak without a win since 1998, and are third from bottom in the Premier League.

But Hasenhuttl hopes he can implement a style that will keep Saints in the top flight.

"You can expect a very passionate kind of football with 11 characters on the field who know exactly what to do," he said.

"When you see us playing in the summer it will be different than when you see the team now. I can't guarantee you how many results we will earn for that - if you want guarantees, buy a washing machine. In football, there are no guarantees. I hope it is enough to stay in this division."

Cardiff are 16th in the table, two points ahead of Southampton, having won two of their last four matches.

Cardiff have problems up front as Kenneth Zohore remains out with a calf injury and Gary Madine and Danny Ward are also nursing knocks. Makeshift striker Callum Paterson might lead the line again.

Jazz Richards is also missing with a hamstring problem, but Josh Murphy should return and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is pushing for a first start since damaging knee ligaments in August.

Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand could recover from injuries to play a part for Southampton.

Mario Lemina is available after suspension but Michael Obafemi is doubtful.