Southampton picked up three points in midweek, as they defeated Coventry City 2-1 at St Mary’s Stadium.
With Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Leicester City all failing to win, some fans are feeling optimistic about a top-two finish.
Indeed, that remains unlikely, but six wins from their remaining six would move them to 96 points, which would give them a great shot.
Russell Martin‘s side welcome Watford to the South Coast on Saturday afternoon and here is the latest ahead of that clash.
Southampton injury news ahead of Watford clash
Juan Larios and Ross Stewart are the only absentees ahead of this weekend’s game, with the pair still recovering from long-term injury issues.
Speaking last month, Martin confirmed that Stewart was back on the grass: “Big Ross Stewart is back on the grass doing light work and will slowly be reintegrated back into the group.
“As I’ve said before, we shouldn’t expect too much from him. It’s great to have him back in amongst things.”
The Saints boss also provided the latest on Larios, on March 12: “We will look to integrate him back into the squad fully in the next three to four weeks.
“He has got a lot of work to do to get there. It is nice to have him and we really like Juan, we’ve been so disappointed for him.”
Southampton predicted XI v Watford
In goal, Gavin Bazunu is expected to assume his usual place in the starting lineup, with a back four in front of him consisting of James Bree, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens and Kyle Walker-Peters.
Moving into midfield, we could see an unchanged three consisting of Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo.
Aribo was phenomenal in the win against Coventry and is staking a real claim to become a fixture of Martin’s side ahead of the run-in and potential play-off campaign.
The former Rangers man is looking every inch of a Premier League player and is rapidly becoming undroppable.
We may see one change in the front three, with David Brooks dropping out for Ryan Fraser, who came on in the final 25 minutes on Tuesday.
Adam Armstrong and Che Adams, the ever-presents, are anticipated to retain their spots.
Southampton (4-3-3): Bazunu; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Walker-Peters; Smallbone, Downes, Aribo; Fraser, Adams and Armstrong.