Saints back to back wins in the Premier League have left things nicely set up for an assault on the top five after the International break.

Saints have put their foot on the gas at just the right time to turn a solid if unspectacular start into a decent one after two straight wins has propelled them up the table.

After Sundays fixtures it has left Saints standing in 9th place just a point behind Spurs and Everton, two behind West Ham and three behind Crystal Palace and our next opponents Leicester City.

That sets it up nicely for the game in just under a fortnight at St Mary's with Saints knowing that they could actually overtake Leicester in 5th place if results go for them and Leicester are despatched.

It won't be fourth place though as the Eagles take on the Hammers on that day and whatever the result is one of them will have more than 15 points that Saints could find themselves on.

Saints will have their full squad to call on for the game on the 17th as long as no further injuries are picked up, the return of Ryan Bertrand has been a big difference as has the final signing of the summer in Virgil Van Dijk, but it is also highly likely that Jordy Clasie will be available for selection for the first time in the Premier League this season.

Despite some fans going into panic mode after the Everton game, the fact is that Ronald Koeman no has a stronger squad than last season and we are far better placed to challenge for fifth place and maybe more than a year ago.

Palace and Leicester have taken the mantle from us last year as shock sides of the opening period, but like us last season the question is whether they have the squad to survive when the winter takes its toll.

Last year we didn't and although we bravely soldiered on throughout a season when a new injury seemed to pop up every week, ultimately it was a task that we fell just short on achieving what we could of with just a few quality players extra.

Now we have those players and we are ready and raring to roar up the league again, we have reached 9th with a squad that has lacked key players in the opening games, now we have them.

Photo: Action Images

IanRC added 22:13 - Oct 4 Let's hope so. Can see United falling badly by the wayside too if that other Dutchman continues to pick Carrick and That German midfielder over Morgan Schneiderlin..... Clueless or what
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Bettwsresident added 22:25 - Oct 4 The results were perfect...the only way saints could stay in 9th. Agree about Man U. They will be beaten more times this season...we should have grrrrr!
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