What needs to happen for Saints to achieve automatic promotion?

SAINTS start the week just one point adrift of second-place Ipswich Town as the race for automatic promotion nears its conclusion.

A dramatic 2-1 win over Swansea City on Saturday ensured Saints kept pace before Ipswich and Middlesbrough dropped points in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Second-place Ipswich are still in the driving seat due to their game in hand over those around them, but are now winless in two games.

If Ipswich win all four of their remaining games, including one against Saints at St Mary's on April 28, they will secure second place in the division.

That means Saints likely need to win all of their remaining games and hope that Ipswich and Millwall, above them by a point, drop points.

Momentum is on Southampton's side. They have won their last seven league games and are unbeaten in 19 games.

Tonda Eckert's charges have averaged 3 points per game across their last five outings, compared ot Ipswich and Millwall's 1.6.

A lot hinges on Southampton beating Ipswich next week. If they draw that game, they would not only need Millwall to lose but for the Tractor Boys to break down.

Saints could move ahead of Ipswich on Tuesday evening if they beat Bristol City and Millwall fail to win at Stoke.

Second place: Ipswich Town, 76 points, 42 games played

Remaining games

Wednesday, April 22 - Charlton Athletic (A)

Saturday, April 25 - West Brom (A)

Tuesday, April 28 - Southampton (A)

Saturday, May 2 - QPR (H)

Third place: Millwall, 76 points, 43 games played

Remaining games

Tuesday, April 21 - Stoke (A)

Friday, April 24 - Leicester (A)

Saturday, May 2 - Oxford United (H)

Fourth place: Saints, 75 points, 43 games played

Remaining games

Tuesday, April 21 - Bristol City (H)

Tuesday, April 28 - Ipswich Town (H)

Saturday, May 2 - Preston (A)

Fifth place: Middlesbrough, 73 points, 43 games played

Remaining games

Wednesday, April 22 - Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Saturday, April 25 - Watford (H)

Saturday, May 2 - Wrexham (A)