The league is wide open for teams outside the top 6 this season if they can show a bit of consistency. The ones who make better use of their resources are more likely to finish closer to the top 6, so Southampton will probably be one of them. We could finish anywhere from 9th to 15th IMO.
southampton haven't had the most difficuilt of starts. gets more difficuilt for them now looking at their upcoming fixtures. I'll be impressed if they are still top 4 come fa cup 3rd day.
They're obviously not going to finish in the top 4 or even the top 6 in all likelihood. But people were doubting the decision to sack Adkins and hire Pochettino and the doubts have been proven to be wrong. They are a side which is clearly improving steadily, and that's all you can really ask for as a supporter.
As far as I can see they've been identical to you in 2011/12. Solid start, taken teams by surprise so they're not sure how to play against you, a solid, consistent defence, key attacking players in form and overall just building more and more momentum. Good on them.