Cardiff v Southampton Tip

Having already included this match in our extravagant ‘free bet acca,’ I feel Cardiff warrant a bet all of their own. The Bluebirds are a best price 12/5 (Betfred) to win at home to off-form Southampton and that looks like a bargain in the circumstances.

These circumstances would feel incredibly different had Malky Mackay been sacked, as expected, in the build up to this fixture. The decision of maverick owner Vincent Tan to see sense almost certainly won’t last, but it could work in the hosts’ favour today.

The home fans will be in celebratory mood that their protest has worked, at least for the time being, and the players will surely be keen to show that they can do the job required of them under the popular Scottish manager.

Cardiff’s recent results on their own patch have actually been very positive having taken seven points from a possible 12 against opponents that included Manchester Utd and Arsenal. Let’s also not forget that title favourites Man City were beaten here not so long ago.

Meanwhile the Saints are in poor touch having gone six matches without a single triumph. Pochettino’s once miserly defence now hasn’t kept a clean sheet in nine attempts and the short odds on the away win here (7/5 BetVictor) are somewhat mystifying.