The last few weeks have been a disappointment for Saints supporters, however there are extenuating circumstances and we can move into an important period with confidence.

Three defeats in a row on the back of a draw were not the run of results that Saints supporters were hoping for from the last four games, however we came through this difficult period with our heads held high and although we were beaten we were not disgraced and we can plead in mitigation a run of injuries that would poleaxe most teams.

But we have come through still in 5th place and with a great chance to move back up the table in the next week or so as well as propel ourselves to our first league cup semi final in 28 years.

Taking the League first, if we can go to Burnley and win and then follow that up against Everton we will have given ourselves a big boost, its back to basics now in the League and our first job now is to hold off the teams below us and in doing so jump back up into the top four, I still contend that over the season we can outgun the likes of West Ham, Newcastle and Swansea and it is still about finishing above the seven teams we were behind last term.

That means firstly Liverpool, Spurs and Everton and then keeping Arsenal at bay and overtaking Manchester United, the first three we have a great chance to put distance between us and them in the coming weeks and that then leaves Manchester United who were unconvincing on Monday and i feel we can finish above if the luck swings back in our favour.

But perhaps the biggest game of our season so far comes on Tuesday at Bramall Lane when we face Sheffield United.

Of course I want Saints to achieve the highest League position possible, but a Wembley cup final would truly make people sit up and notice, if we were to win it we would be in Europe and could then concentrate on planning for next season and in doing so with the pressure off us in the league we might just spring a few surprises.

Some Saints fans scoff at the Capital One Cup, but they are very wrong, building as a club means not only challenging for honours but creating a positive vibe around St Mary's and Southampton itself, that includes the supporters, if we got to Wembley it would stimulate interest in the club and bring through a whole generation of Saints fans

The FA Cup final in 2003 dd that, but we didnt have the infrastructure to build on that, now we do and so in my opinion beating Sheffield United is perhaps the most important win we will get so far this season.

So in ten days time we will have a clearer view of where the season is going, if we were to win all three games then we would probably be back in the top four and in a Capital One Cup semi final, confidence would be high and people would sit up and take notice

Yes its a crucial three games, but that might well be the case for the rest of the season.

Photo: Action Images

derbydog added 11:37 - Dec 10 And moreover, being in the top three or four and still in both cups might keep our best players at the club throughout January and beyond.
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SaintNick added 11:45 - Dec 10 it makes it easier to keep and indeed sign players if we are doing well and that includes cups and being in the europa league
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SaintJez added 11:55 - Dec 10 Am not sure there's too many scoffing at the Carling Cup. No-one cares too much for the early rounds but once you get to the business end, the chance to win a major trophy (and it can still be considered a major trophy in my view) is a big thing. I feel the quarter final is a big opportunity for the club from both a potential silverware and confidence perspective. Would be great to get a win.

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OldRed added 11:58 - Dec 10 Enjoyed the trip to Wembley a few years ago albeit for just the Johnstone's Paint Trophy!
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SaintGeorge added 19:32 - Dec 10 If we get to Wembley - semi or final - I'll go back to England for the occasion - fact. The Johnstones paint pot was such a brilliant day. Whether they *matter* or not, cups are the spirit of footy.
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LeicesterSaint added 10:59 - Dec 11 Totally agree Nick - a huge game at Sheffield United and one we have to win and we have to put out our best team possible - no resting players or trying kids. I still remeber so fondly being at the ZDS cup final when I was a young kid with my Saints supporting family and despite us loosing 2-3 the game was incredible and the atmosphere was so amazing it had a huge part in hooking me on Saints for life and hundreds of games home and away and several season tickets later the rest is history. COYR!!!

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