Ronald Koeman believes Saints’ upcoming fixtures might not be the dream some people believe they are.

While some of Saints’ European rivals are facing top four or midtable clubs, Saints tomorrow start a run of three back-to-back matches against relegation haunted sides.

Tomorrow’s game sees them travel to Sunderland before a trip to Leicester and then a home fixture with Aston Villa.

On paper they appear easier games but at this stage of the season, with time running out for those sides to save themselves from the drop, it is not quite so straightforward.

Koeman said: “Sometimes I think it makes it more difficult, because they are really fighting for one point and you have to prepare for that, but, on the other side, we call it in Holland on a small line you can break it and then that’s the mentality sometimes of the teams who are really fighting, struggling with results.

“If you score the first goal, how will be the reaction of the fans, the team reaction.

“You saw it in the home game against Crystal Palace, and it was over.

“But in the start of the game it’s difficult, because they are really full in the spirit and ambition and the supporting of the fans and you have to pass that, and then you have possibilities.”

Saints do have a good style for playing away games against such teams. Their ability to keep possession can frustrate opposition crowds keen for their side to get on the front foot.

Koeman reflected: “Our way of playing creates sometimes problems to the opponents, because we like to have the ball, we like to have ball possession and it’s difficult to have the ball against Southampton sometimes, but then it’s all about we, all about we – if we stay in a good level, if we play good ball possession, really good sharpness, with movements, then we are difficult to beat.”

Saints will be without Morgan Schneiderlin, who been ruled out for the season, with the French midfielder set to be replaced by Victor Wanyama, who returns from suspension, while Dusan Tadic is also missing with a groin problem.

Saints travel to face Sunderland hoping to revive memories of their 8-0 drubbing of the Black Cats at St Mary’s earlier in the season.

“It was the best result. It wasn’t the best game in my opinion,” admitted Koeman.

“We had an unbelievable help of the players of Sunderland because I think they scored three own goals.

“It was a strange afternoon and ended 8-0, which isn’t a normal result, but it was so strange.

“I don’t believe that was our best game of the season. We didn’t play really well.

“After 2-0 or 3-0 they went mentally down and we had total confidence and we scored great goals but the game of this Saturday will be totally different.

“It will be different for Sunderland because they are fighting and I am watching the programme and they play Arsenal and Chelsea and they have two home games and they need two wins and that’s a lot of pressure of the club and the players and we have to be aware of that.”