Adam Lallana wants Saints to remove the last obstacle in their path to get back on track and move up the league.
The midfielder, who has scored four goals already this season, is keen to eradicate the memories of a midweek defeat by bouncing back in the second home game inside five days to clear the minus points tally for good.
"It's massive," he stated. "We were very confident going into Tuesday where we wanted to go out there play well and win, but Bristol played well right through to the end and got a last minute goal which just makes Saturday even bigger. If we win we get into positive points and then we can just look forward rather than back.
"It was a kick in the teeth and maybe it taught a few of us a lesson that we just need to be fully focused against Gillingham because it's a massive game. It's at home and we need to start picking up a full collect of points at St. Mary's because that's the only way we're going to get rid of the deficit.
"Psychologically it could be having a big effect on us, because perhaps subconsciously we're thinking about it and not even aware of it. We know that for the fans and for ourselves that it would be massive to get into positive points, so that we can start looking in the right direction.
"Once we've got over this last hurdle we can fully focus on climbing up the table. We need to start another little unbeaten run by stringing a few wins together that would be a great boost to us."
Lallana's own good form has been one of the successes from the season's start which has seen him play in a variety of positions including striker, where he has lined up alongside Rickie Lambert, a player he rates highly.
"I played alongside him at Carlisle last weekend and I thought we linked up quite well even though we didn't create enough chances," the 21 year-old said.
"I really enjoy playing with him because he is a top class player, who links play well and is a big target man too which helps me. If I do get to start alongside him again then I'll be thrilled.
"I'm happy with the way that I've started, but obviously I'd take away my goals for results," he added. "Saturday has come round quickly, it's game after game at the moment, but that's what you want as a football player, so that you can get into a good routine and hopefully I can keep up my form for the whole season.
"I'd love to get into double figures, with four for the season already, if I can just keep going then I'll get into that routine of being in the right place at the right time and the luck will come with it, so hopefully more goals will follow.
"The more goals you get the more confidence you have and the more rub of the green you get, it's just the way it works, so long may it last. The most important thing is the team, but if I'm scoring goals to help the team to win then that's brilliant.
"I can adapt and I see that only as a strength for myself and for the team. If I have to move position when we change things then I'm happy to do it. It can only make me a better player and improve my all round game."
