This ending of the season looked highly unlikely for Saints only a few weeks ago, yet now it is a real possibility, but we are reliant on results going our way elsewhere, can we do it !

When we returned after the International break at the start of April we were not looking at anything else other than breaking into the play offs and even that was far from certain, when we travelled to Wrexham on April 7th we knew that defeat might make it difficult to achieve even that.

But four straight wins this month have suddenly pushed us from play off contenders to having a genuine shot at Automatic promotion.

But it is not in our own hands, with Coventry confirmed as promotes and on the cusp of being Champions, the four clubs behind them are vying for that second automatic spot.

Ipswich are still favourites with the table as follows.

Ipswich played 42 - Points 76 - Goal difference 29 Potential points 88
Millwall played 43- Points 76 - Goal difference 11 Potential Points 85
Southampton Played 43 Points 75 - Goal difference 24 Potential points 84
Middlesbrough Played 43 Points 73 - Goal difference 20 Potential points 82

From looking at this table you have to surmise that the chances of finishing second are exactly in line with the table as it stands but with a full programme of Championship games this midweek, it could quickly change.

Goal difference could be crucial, but the blunt reality of the situation is that we need Ipswich to lose against us and draw one of their other fixtures, that would see them end on 83 points meaning if we finish the season on three straight wins then we finish on 84

We of course play Bristol City at St Mary's on Tuesday and the other fixture that concerns us that night is.

Stoke City V Millwall

Wednesday evening see's .

Charlton V Ipswich
Middlesbrough V Sheffield Wednesday.

For all teams the job in hand is clear, only a win is acceptable, anything else and you risk falling behind.

At the weekend we of course have to watch and wait and first fixture of the weekend is on Friday evening.

Leicester V Millwall

We have to hope that Leicester pull something out of the bag there, although by then they could already be down.

Saturday sees

Middlesbrough V Watford
West Brom V Ipswich.

So on paper this looks like it could be Millwall with the advantage after the weekend's fixtures.

Then on Tuesday 28th April comes the game that many will see as going a long way to deciding the destiny of the automatic promotion spot.

Southampton V Ipswich.

The final day of the season is as follows.

Ipswich V Queens Park Rangers
Millwall V Oxford United
Preston V Southampton
Wrexham V Middlesbrough

As it stands and with the fixtures each team has, it is difficult to pick a winner for the 2nd place spot, you have to say that Ipswich are favourites and Middlesbrough outsiders.

From a Saints perspective we need Ipswich & Millwall to slip up, even if we beat Ipswich, if they win their other 3 games they would still be above us, likewise Millwall, perhaps at the end of the season we will see that 98th minute winner for the London club at the New Den as the one moment that cost us automatic spot.

If we had not conceded that goal we would be on 76 points, level with Ipswich and Millwall would be on 74, that would make the table look a lot better.

So before we think of automatic promotion we have to think about what we do need to achieve and that is 3rd or 4th place to give us an advantage in the play off semi finals.

As mentioned just 3 weeks ago we were unsure that we would make the play offs, we could mathematically confirm that with a win over Bristol City, indeed we could actually confirm a minimum of 4th spot, we have to keep on taking one step at a time and this is the next one.

Then we have to sit back at the weekend and hope, the one advantage here is that the pressure is on the other 3 and not us, if they all win our task has not changed, but if they drop points then we have a psychological advantage.

So we start this midweek round of fixtures in a position that we could only of dreamed of a short time ago, the FA Cup semi final is a bonus, we have everything to play for on two fronts.

Now is the time to shift into overdrive and truly make this a season to remember.

So what do you think, give your comments in the section below and vote in our poll using the link below.

Who Will Go Up In 2nd Place

This is the time the team needs the fans to stand up and be loud, over 33,000 will be travelling to Wembley on Saturday and that may well increase with more tickets likely to be released.

But the game against Bristol City on Tuesday evening still has around 1,000 tickets left and that is a little sad given the importance of this game and the fact that we have sold more for Wembley than we have for a home game.

The game against Ipswich the following week is a little better, around 250 tickets remain and that is sure to sell out.

For the final game of the season at Preston, Saints fans will travel in large numbers, the final block is now on sale and so only around 500 seats out of the 5,600 allocation remain unsold and with some waiting to see if anything rides on the game, they might well go quickly if we keep winning.

All Photos Via Reuters