Southampton currently have eight fixtures remaining, seven in the Championship and an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal. They could increase that number to 13 matches with positive results in both competitions.
An unlikely victory against Arsenal at the weekend could send the South Coast club to Wembley for the first of up to three matches at the national stadium before the summer break.
Three unlikely trips to Wembley
The first would be an FA Cup semi-final on the 25th or 26th April, followed by an even less likely final on the 16th May,
Clinging to a playoff position would see the Championship season extended by at least two matches, a semi-final over two legs. Victory in that could send Southampton fans back up to West London for a third time - for the playoff final on the 23rd May under the Wembley Arch.
Winning the FA Cup is almost certainly beyond the reach of the Championship club, whose only triumph in the competition was 50 years ago, in 1976.
Emulating the feat of Lawrie McMenemy's team, when they stunned the world by beating Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley, would be a very tall order indeed.
Southampton fans would certainly settle for 11 more fixtures if they included a Wembley playoff final and the opportunity to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Southampton's enigmatic Number 13
Success in their remaining matches will likely depend on the influence of their Number 13, Léo Scienza. The Brazilian has been the club's most exciting player, and will be difficult to retain if Southampton do not get promoted this season.
Scienza has nine assists; another four would take him to 13 for the season. That might be enough to help secure the goals that his side needs to reach the play-offs, but more could be needed beyond that.
The Brazilian winger could become the player who provides the four assists that Finn Azaz needs, assuming the Irish international is going to reach at least 13 goals for the season. Azaz currently has 9 goals for Southampton in the Championship.
Missing out on the play-offs would be seen as a disaster this season, and even a historic FA Cup victory wouldn't change that.
If Southampton do end up playing 13 games this season, there will be only one result that truly matters. That is the one on the 23rd May, which could propel the club back into the Premier League.
Until then, Tonda Eckert will be treating every game like a cup final.