WHEN Saints return after the international break, Russell Martin's side will be looking to push up into the play-off positions in the Championship.

The south coast side lost ground to some of their promotion rivals with defeats to Sunderland, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough in September.

But seven points from their last three matches against Leeds United, Stoke City and Rotherham United mean that Southampton now sit just a point outside the top six.

Here we assess who Saints face in their next five matches and what can be expected...

Opponent: Hull City (Away)

Date: Saturday, October 21

Position in the table: 9th

Key player: Jaden Philogene

The Tigers have not won in their last three games so this may be a good time for Saints to travel to the MKM stadium.

Philogene was reportedly on Southampton's radar in the summer before he joined Hull City. He provided a goal and an assist against Millwall last time out.

Opponent: Preston North End (Away)

Date: Wednesday, October 25

Position in the table: 3rd

Key player: Liam Lindsay

Preston North End started the season with six wins from their opening seven Championship fixtures as they looked like they were genuine surprise promotion hopefuls.

They have been brought back down to earth in their last three, though, losing heavily to West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town.

Opponent: Birmingham City (Home)

Date: Saturday, October 28

Position in the table: 6th

Key player: Koji Miyoshi

Wayne Rooney is the new man in charge at Birmingham City after John Eustace's shock sacking earlier this week.

Southampton will be his third match in charge so we will have more of an idea of the former England striker's tactical approach by then.

Opponent: Millwall (Away)

Date: Saturday, November 4

Position in the table: 15th

Key player: Casper de Norre

Saints will feel confident of picking up three points on the road when they travel to Millwall at the beginning of November.

Belgian midfielder De Norre has impressed since joining the club in the summer.

Opponent: West Bromwich Albion (Home)

Date: Saturday, November 11

Position in the table: 11th

Key player: John Swift

The Baggies have underachieved so far this season but they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks with wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End.

Swift has scored six goals in 11 matches this season and will be a danger for Saints when they meet in mid-November.