Saints head into tonight's game against FC Midtjylland knowing that they need to play the European way if they want to progress to the group stages.
In the last round against Vitesse Saints played in a controlled manner and on reflection played the perfect two legged European tie, they kept things tight at the back, took their chances when they had them and in the second half did not get over excited and give Vitesse a chance to get back in the game.
Now they need to repeat that performance against an FC Midtjylland side who are experienced European campaigners.
That means getting control of the tie early but again not over stretching themselves, the Dames are a different prospect to Vitesse who played an open style and gave Saints the chance to score, FC Midtjylland will keep things tight at the back and will be prepared to wait for the chance to get an away goal, they will not try and math Saints firepower, they will sit patiently.
Even if Saints do get an early goal they will not chase the game they will stick to their game plan and this is where Saints need to be coy, they as they did against Vitesse need to keep their own concentration, something that has been lacking in the two Premier League games so far.
Concentration is the difference between winning and losing in the Premier and its the same in the Europa League.
I would expect at least two changes to the starting line up tonight, I think Steven Caulker will come in for Yoshida and that Oriol Romeu will come into the midfield, although Im not sure whom he will replace, it could be one of three players with Davis, Tadic & Long all at risk here.
Personally I would go for a line up that combines a holding midfield with firepower and I would sacrifice Steven Davis and play Long & Tadic wide with Mane sat behind Pelle in a free role with Romeu and Wanyama holding.
Although FC Midtjylland are experienced European campaigners it should also not be forgotten, with respect to them that they are not in a strong league and they were knocked out by Apoel Nicosia a Cypriot team in the group stages of the Champions League, although its important to realise what they are capable of, we do not want to be too wary of them, we are a better side we have to prove it.
This is a very important game for Saints and its good to see ticket sales have picked up in the last day or so and that they will have good backing, qualifying for the Europa League is important if we are to keep moving forward and not only sign quality players but retain tose we have.