Burnley cannot read too much into Saints' mini slump ahead of their visit to Turf Moor, according to Sean Dyche.

The Clarets entertain a Saints side who have lost three games on the spin and who have slipped from second down to fifth in the Barclays Premier League table.

However, Dyche was quick to highlight how those defeats have come against three of the division's heavyweights in Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, while praising the job Ronald Koeman has done in his first few months in English football.

Southampton's summer of upheaval had led to a widespread belief that Koeman would struggle to emulate the efforts of Mauricio Pochettino's men last year but Dyche has admired the rebuilding process the Dutchman has overseen on the south coast.

"He's done a fine job so far," said the Burnley manager.

"He took over a club that was obviously in transition regarding the player trading side and a lot was made out of that and where the team would go.

"They've brought in money and used money wisely to bring in some players he wanted and they look like a fine side.

"They've had a little blip at the moment but they've played the big boys of the division.

"He's doing a great job; that's how it looks to me. They're a good side and have a good mixture in there. They can play in different ways and so far, so good for him.

"But he's coming to Turf Moor and that's a challenge for them and a good one for us to go and pit our wits against those types of players and that type of manager."

Dyche did note that Saints' run of results can serve as a reminder of how complacency can never be allowed to creep into top-flight teams.

Despite defeat at QPR last weekend, Burnley's own form has certainly picked up since Southampton were last victors, yet manager-of-the-month nominee Dyche stressed the importance of not resting on their laurels.

"They (Southampton) maybe felt they were on a roll, getting to grips with it, then they come across some really powerful teams and it suddenly becomes more difficult," he added.

"We're looking at every team like that, not just the superpowers.

"You can't guarantee you've got to grips with it but you can get a feel, a sense that we're belonging slightly more than the early season when people were unsure and maybe some of our own players were unsure.

"They look slightly more assured now - certainly in the performances - and we have to take the performances into more wins."

One player who remains absent for the Clarets this weekend is Southampton-born striker Sam Vokes, who has been out since March with a knee injury.

He is nearing a comeback after playing 90 minutes for the development squad in midweek, yet Dyche has previously stressed the need for the 25-year-old to be "over fit".

Burnley will also be without Stephen Ward for around six weeks due to the ankle injury the full-back sustained in the draw with Newcastle earlier this month.