Saints will today attempt to avoid slipping to a sixth consecutive defeat for the first time since 1957.

Not since the early days of Ted Bates’ 18-year reign as Saints manager have the club lost six on the spin in all competitions.

But they must avoid defeat against Everton at St Mary’s this afternoon to ensure they do not match that unwanted record, after being beaten by Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Burnley and Sheffield United.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman has been working hard to instil confidence in his injury and suspension hit squad in a bid to turn things around after the Capital One Cup exit at Bramall Lane, which was the first poor performance of a losing run that has included a number of unfortunate defeats.

“It is difficult because always they are now much more in themselves, in the position, because they like to do it in a good way,” said Koeman, who will have a number of under-21 players in his depleted squad for today’s game.

“But we have to put positive energy in the team and that's important. It is not the question about playing good football.

“The question is now is about having a good team organisation, a good spirit. They (Sheffield United) showed us it is not all about level of competition.

“That’s the easy way but sometimes the most difficult way because you need confidence.

“Okay, when it was going well, positive, winning games, the players are like this (raises chest to show confidence).

“Now, it is a little bit [lower] and that is normal given the situation. You can't keep talking: show it.

“You need to be a bit lucky - it is very close and the message to the players is keep going and don’t be nervous.

“Sometimes there are no explanations for something – the explanation is on the pitch. Winning gives players confidence and that's the situation, we have to accept that. We have some bonus point already.”

Koeman has been doing his best to emphasise the positives that came before the Sheffield United defeat in a bid to lift the morale of his players.

“You try always to take out positive things and, okay, the Burnley game is totally different because there was a period of the game that we played good football, that we had the chances, we missed the penalty,” he admitted.

“If you watch back the goal we conceded, it is incredible. It is unlucky but that’s the situation and that’s football.

“You will be punished like that and you have to accept that. If you keep quiet, if you keep going as a team, then the possibility to change that situation will be very close.”

Koeman is hoping his players have learned a lesson from the United defeat and that he will get a positive reaction today.

“We spoke about that already, but they know exactly what happened. We spoke about that,” he insisted.

“Okay, then you have to show it [that you have learned]. The message to the players was that the different way to lose a game.

“The opponent was more aggressive, won more second balls and that’s all about attention, all about spirit. Okay, I understand you need all the confidence to play good football but not always you can play good football.

“It depends on the pressing of the opponent and, if you are not in your best shape, you have to do something else. Okay, if you lose then it is more acceptable.”