THANKS to the international break extending to Saturday 11 September, Saints have just four matches throughout this month.
Three are to be played in the Premier League with the Carabao Cup third round also to be decided this month.
Travelling Saints supporters have two trips to look forward to – but be warned that neither are particularly short journeys.
After the opening three Premier League fixtures, Saints have just two points following a 3-1 defeat at Everton, 1-1 draw with Manchester United and a late, late 2-2 at Newcastle.
Here’s the upcoming month in focus…
Saturday 11 September – Saints vs West Ham, St Mary’s. Premier League
West Ham were buoyant off the back of a surprising season last year, in which manager David Moyes led them to a Europa League spot.
Now they are second-place, behind Tottenham, and have scored a remarkable 10 goals in their opening three games after putting four past both Newcastle and Leicester.
They are susceptible to conceding goals, though, with no clean sheets and fived conceded in their opening fixtures – talents like top goalscorer Michael Antonio, who has four already, ensure they are always a threat.
I expect to see goals both ways in this contest.
Saturday 18 September – Manchester City vs Saints, Etihad Stadium, Premier League
Perhaps the most difficult Premier League trip in recent years, Manchester City are no strangers to rampant victories at the expense of teams.
They might have lost the opening day clash with table-topping Tottenham 1-0, but they’ve shown no mercy since with consecutive 5-0 wins over Norwich and Arsenal.
The Citizens have won each of their last three home games 5-0, dispatching Everton by the same scoreline on the final day of the 2020-21 Premier League season.
The goals have been evenly spread, with Spaniard Ferran Torres the only City player to have net twice.
Tuesday 21 September – Sheffield United vs Saints, Bramall Lane. EFL Cup
Sheffield United have struggled in the Championship so far this season, despite beating Carlisle United and Derby County on their way to the cup third round.
The Blades have managed just one point and one goal in their opening four league games, as they look to bounce back from Premier League relegation without long-term manager Chris Wilder.
Neither side will be hugely stressed about a deep cup run with league concerns at the forefront of thinking, but Saints should fancy themselves with a little bit or rotation.
Saturday 26 September – Saints vs Wolves, St Mary’s. Premier League
Wolves have made a torrid start to Premier League life without Nuno Espirito Santos after three consecutive 1-0 defeats.
They have faced difficult games in Community Shield winners Leicester City, Tottenham and Manchester United, and thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0 away in the EFL Cup.
Fortunes could change between now and then, but Ralph Hasenhuttl will look at this tie as a good opportunity for three points if they get everything right on the pitch.
I expect to see a lower-scoring contest at St Mary’s that could swing either way.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here