Preview: Cardiff City vs. Southampton

Cardiff City will look to put their off-field troubles behind them when they host Southampton at the Cardiff City Stadium on Boxing Day.

Club owner Vincent Tan has had a much-publicised falling-out with manager Malky Mackay, who has ruled out the possibility of resigning despite reportedly being issued an ultimatum by the board.

Mackay is in increasing need of a win to stop events on the pitch becoming as worrying as those off it, with his side sitting 15th in the Premier League table, just four points off the relegation zone.

Cardiff have won just one of their last seven league matches, although they have taken points off the likes of Manchester City, Everton and Manchester United at home already this season.

Craig Bellamy will undergo a late fitness test while Mackay could also bring Frazier Campbell back into the fold after the striker was left on the bench against Liverpool last weekend.

Southampton go into the game looking to halt a six-match winless streak that has seen them slide down the standings.

The Saints have picked up just two points from the last 18 on offer after an impressive start to the season, leaving them ninth in the Premier League table.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have only won twice on their travels all season, with their last victory coming at Anfield back in September.

However, the Argentine boss could be boosted by the returns of Dani Osvaldo, Luke Shaw, Nathaniel Clyne and Kelvin Davis, who will all undergo late fitness tests. Artur Boruc, Victor Wanyama and Guly do Prado remain sidelined.

Recent form

Cardiff: DLDLWL

Southampton: LLLDDL

Possible starting lineups

Cardiff: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Turner, Caulker, Taylor; Noone, Whittingham, Medel, Mutch, Whittingham; Odemwingie, Campbell

Southampton: Gazzaniga; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; S Davis, Cork, Schneiderlin; Lallana, Lambert, Rodriguez

Sports Mole says: 1-1