Saints are aiming to take advantage of their excellent disciplinary record over the festive period.

Nigel Adkins’ men have been true Saints rather than sinners when it comes to their behaviour on the pitch since the club were promoted to the Premier League.

Having already lost Adam Lallana to injury, Adkins will be desperately hoping not to have further problems or suspensions over a hectic schedule that will see Saints play five games in the space of just 15 days.

But only Morgan Schneiderlin is treading a tightrope with four bookings, meaning he is just one game away from a ban.

The French midfielder has managed to prevent another yellow in recent games, however, and the only other player even closer to the five booking cut-off is Jos Hooiveld with three cautions – and he hasn’t been playing of late.

After that, Saints only have two players on two yellows in the shape of Jose Fonte and Nathaniel Clyne.

Some of Saints’ rivals in the bottom seven have far more problems on their plate, though, going into this weekend’s games.

Full story - and the fair play table - in today's Daily Echo