SOUTHAMPTON'S automatic promotion hopes have been rejuvenated ahead of their last five games of the season.

Promotion rivals Leicester, Leeds and Ipswich have dropped considerable points across recent game weeks, leaving the door ajar for Saints.

Russell Martin's side claimed six points over the last two games to put them within seven points of second place and eight points off top spot.

League leaders Ipswich and third-place Leeds have three games left to play, while Leicester City have four games remaining.

Saints still have to visit Leicester and Leeds in all-important promotion-deciding ties.

Here's a rundown of Southampton's last five games of the 2023-24 season...

Opponent: Preston North End (Home)

Date: Tuesday, April 16

Position in the table: 10th

Key player: Liam Lindsay

The first of Southampton's two games in hand is against playoff hopefuls Preston North End.

Preston suffered a late defeat against Norwich City last time out, a result which could have ended their chances of top six.

However, a win at Saints would get Ryan Lowe's men believing they can mount a late charge for a shot at promotion.

Saints will be looking to end a trifecta of home games with nine points to edge closer to the coveted top two spots. 

Opponent: Cardiff City (Away)

Date: Saturday, April 20

Position in the table: 11th

Key player: Perry Ng

Cardiff could hardly lay a glove on Saints when the two sides faced off at St Mary's earlier this season.

Southampton were 2-0 winners, a result which continued Martin's 100 per cent record as a manager against the South Wales club.

Cardiff host Saints on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Millwall, but their 2-1 smash-and-grab win over Ipswich in March serves as a warning.

Right-back Perry Ng has been Cardiff's standout performer this season. The 27 year old is currently their joint top goalscorer (six goals) with Karlan Grant.

Opponent: Leicester City (Away)

Date: Tuesday, April 23

Position in the table: 2nd

Key player: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

The second of Southampton's two games in hand is a trip to fellow automatic promotion hopefuls Leicester City.

The original fixture was set to take place just before the international break, but Leicester's progression in the FA Cup saw the game moved, which could now benefit Saints.

Enzo Maresca's side have only claimed 10 points from a possible 30 since February 17. Martin's charges will relish the chance to deal Leicester another defeat.

In order to do that, Southampton will need to perform better than they did when they hosted Leicester earlier in the season.

Martin will also be keen to ensure they put in a full performance, unlike against Ipswich and Boro, when late goals saw them throw away points.

Opponent: Stoke City (Home)

Date: Saturday, April 27

Position in the table: 20th

Key player: Ki-Jana Hoever

On paper, Southampton's home fixture against relegation-threatened Stoke City is their easiest game.

However, Southampton's recent struggles against Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Watford suggest there will not be an easy game between now and the season's end.

Stuart Armstrong's stunning free-kick was the difference when these two sides met earlier in the season.

With Stoke fighting to survive in the division they could pose a bigger problem than their league position suggests.

A strong win here would set Saints up perfectly for a crucial trip to Yorkshire on the final day of the season.

Opponent: Leeds United (Away)

Date: Saturday, May 4

Position in the table: 3rd

Key player: Crysencio Summerville

Southampton's trip to Leeds United on the final day of the season could be an automatic promotion decider.

Saints will likely need to have won all of their next four games to give themselves a shot at glory at Elland Road.

A repeat of their performance in the reverse fixture - a 3-1 win - would be welcomed by Saints fans. Having looked unbeatable, Leeds have slipped up recently, winning one of their last five fixtures. 

Should the result not see them reach the top two, it could impact who they face in the playoff semi-finals.

By finishing third, Saints would receive an easier game - on paper - against the side that finished sixth place.