Saints legend Matt Le Tissier believes his former club have the form and firepower to book a place in the £60m play-off final showdown for a place in the Premiership.
Saints host Derby, who finished third in the Coca-Cola Championship, tomorrow in the semi-final first-leg having ended the regulation season with three straight wins.
It is that current form, coupled with Saints' ability to score goals away from St Mary's - they are the top scoring Championship side away from home with 41 goals - that gives Le Tissier confidence that George Burley's side will book their place in the Wembley final, which is estimated to be worth £60m to the eventual winners.
Speaking at the Lawrie McMenemy Celebrity Golf Day on Wednesday, where the great and good from Saints' past gathered to raise money for the Hampshire Autistic Society, Le Tissier said: "We are in good form with three wins in a row.
"And I fancy us to beat Derby on Saturday as well.
"They finished third in the table so they are no mugs, but I do think we are in better form at the moment.
"I know they beat us at St Mary's (1-0 in February) but they nicked that result.
"We should have been well clear before they even got the winner and I think the lads should be confident about this one.
"I fancy us to win this weekend and I am confident we can get past Derby."
For full story see the 24-page Saints v Derby pull-out in today's Daily Echo.
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