Southampton could be on track for their highest ever Premier League finish as they bid to catch Manchester United in fifth place, who are just four points ahead of the Saints. With United in somewhat unpredictable form, the Saints could pounce above the Red Devils if they continue their impressive run.
Excellent form
Ronald Koeman's side have turned their season around after going on a five-match unbeaten run which has seen them rise to seventh place.
The Saints now lie just two points behind West Ham who they beat last time out in a hard fought contest, which saw Southampton lose Victor Wanyama to his third red card of the season.
In their improved run of results, they have beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford as well as taking a well-earned point against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Other impressive results came as the Saints beat West Bromwich Albion and Watford comfortably at St Mary's.
Austin added to strike force
With the signing of Charlie Austin the south coast side now have a range of attacking options, with the Englishman adding to the already present Graziano Pellé, Shane Long and Sadio Mané.
With these options manager Ronald Koeman can be confident, going into the rest of the season that the Saints goal tally will improve with their latest acquisition in Austin.
Long and Pellé are Saints' current top goalscorers this season with both having seven goals to their names, something they will be keen to improve on.
Improvement defensively
Southampton have also improved their defensive record of late, and haven't conceded a goal since bowing out of the FA Cup third round against Crystal Palace on the 9th January.
A huge factor in this is the return of Fraser Forster who has come back into the side after a long-term knee injury. Forster has given the Saints a huge confidence boost after coming back in and has made a string of key saves, most notably he produced a Man of the Match performance against Arsenal.
The Saints have also switched to a defensive back five, with three central defenders and two wing-backs adding more solidity to the team.
Could Saints beat last year's finish?
Last campaign the Saints achieved their highest ever Premier League finish as they came seventh in Koeman's debut season in charge.
That finish was an excellent accomplishment considering they lost key players in the summer before as important figures like Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana all left the club.
After losing their captain Morgan Schneiderlin before the beginning of this season to Manchester United, the Saints could actually end up higher in the league than the Frenchman's new employers. That is if Saints' key players remain fit and their good defensive form in particular continues.
Southampton will now look to extend their run at the weekend, although they face a tough task as they travel to a rejuvenated Swansea City side who have not lost in four games.