Maya Yoshida is hoping to top a memorable first season at St Mary’s with his first Saints goal.

The Japanese defender has established himself as a first team regular in the Premier League following his move from VVV Venlo last year.

But one thing missing for Yoshida to make his first season in English football a truly memorable one is a first goal for the club.

One Dutch football television station voted an overhead kick scored by Yoshida as their goal of the season last year but, despite a history of finding the back of the net, Yoshida believes it is a harder task in the Premier League.

“In my last season in Japan I got eight goals and then in Holland last season I got five, now it is a little bit of a pity," he added.

"Every set piece is really tough, you really have to fight against more strong guys, more than Holland and Japan, but I need to improve more I think. If I play more than 30 games I need to score goals."

Yoshida is likely to be partnered once again by Jos Hooiveld tomorrow and Pochettino has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, with only midfielder James Ward-Prowse a doubt through injury.