Manager Claude Puel believes Saturday's FA Cup third-round meeting with Norwich signals the start of a defining week in Southampton's season.
Saints go into the contest at Carrow Road on the back of a hectic festive schedule which saw them play three Premier League games in the space of 117 hours.
Puel's side lost the trio of matches and now head into a week which could make or break their hopes of domestic cup success.
Saturday's trip to Norfolk is followed by the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at home to Liverpool, before they return to league duty with a tricky game at Burnley.