Russell Martin confident Southampton can 'change things dramatically'

Southampton welcome Sean Dyche's side to St Mary's on Saturday as they continue to search for their first win of the campaign.

Everton sit eight points ahead of Saints having mounted a five-game unbeaten run, beating Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.

Their unbeaten run started following their Carabao Cup defeat to Southampton at Goodison Park.

Martin believes the Toffees are a prime example of how quickly teams can turn this around in the Premier League.

"Their 11 that start will be different for a start," he explained. "They've also gone five games unbeaten, so they're in a really good place.

Saints beat Everton on penalties in the Carabao Cup (Image: PA) "They've found a bit of rhythm with a manager who's got so much experience. They are a team that's so well organised and really good at what they do.

"They carry big threats and have really top players in the Premier League. I think it's going to be difficult. I think it's a completely different game, a completely different context.

"The challenge for us, in the same way as it was last week at Man City, is to try and be the team that we want to be and play the game that we want to play."

He continued: "They definitely won't make it easy to do that. It's going to require all of the same stuff that we brought onto the pitch last weekend.

"I'm really confident, I'm really excited about the game. I think the players are in a really good place, and I'm really confident they can do that.

"There's such a long way to go, two results can change things dramatically. Everton have been on a good run, which has changed things dramatically for them.

 "I'm confident that we're capable of doing the same, and we have to start that somewhere, so I hope that is tomorrow."

Southampton have won just one point in the league so far (Image: Stuart Martin)Asked how important Southampton's games against Everton and Wolves are for his future as boss, Martin said: "That curve has been there every game

"I think everyone reported the Leicester game, or the lazy journalist did, they said it was do or die and I'd get sacked if we lost that.

"I saw one on Saturday about Man City, if we lost there, I'd get sacked that night. The owners have been brilliant.

"When I speak to Henrik, Dragan, Rasmus, Phil, Mark and the gang here, everyone's been so supportive.

"I think they understand how close we are, how close we have been. I think there's a level of respect between us all that we can be really honest."