With each of the top three failing to win their previous games, Southampton supporters are becoming increasingly optimistic regarding automatic promotion.
At one stage, that became a distant dream courtesy of a run that featured just three wins in 10 games, but Russell Martin’s side have since responded with three victories in succession.
A return to St Mary’s has proven key, the Saints posting triumphs over Coventry City, Watford and Preston North End respectively to move within five points of leaders Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys and third-placed Leeds United have each played one game more than Southampton, and success on Saturday would keep Southampton’s fate in their own hands with Leicester City and Leeds still to come on their schedule.
The Tractor Boys and third-placed Leeds United have each played one game more than Southampton, and success on Saturday would keep Southampton’s fate in their own hands with Leicester City and Leeds still to come on their schedule.
However, Southampton travel to South Wales having collected just seven points from their last five away fixtures, as well as failing to prevail in their most recent two such games.
Four defeats in six matches have put paid to that, Cardiff now 12 points adrift of sixth position with just three fixtures remaining.
Bulut has witnessed his team lose successive home fixtures to Sunderland and Hull City respectively, making it nine defeats from their 21 games at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Last time out, Cardiff also suffered defeat on their travels, going down by a 3-1 scoreline to an improved Millwall outfit.
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Four defeats in six matches have put paid to that, Cardiff now 12 points adrift of sixth position with just three fixtures remaining.
Bulut has witnessed his team lose successive home fixtures to Sunderland and Hull City respectively, making it nine defeats from their 21 games at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Last time out, Cardiff also suffered defeat on their travels, going down by a 3-1 scoreline to an improved Millwall outfit.
