Southampton go into Saturday's game with Swansea City knowing that they still need to kick-start their season, having recorded just one win in six Premier League games this term.
Ronald Koeman will obviously be disappointed by the likes of a shock 3-0 loss at home to Everton, but what might be slightly more concerning was his side's inability to turn draws against Watford, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion into wins.
Saints hoping for all-round improvement
In the early stages of last weekend's clash with Manchester United, it looked as though the tide might be slowly turning as the home side put the United defence under real strain. However, they eventually capitulated and lost the game, through what Koeman described as a "lack of belief".
Despite the loss, what will have pleased the Saints' manager was his team's threat down the flanks and the return to form of Graziano Pellé, while Sadio Mané also looked particularly menacing.
Facing Swansea presents the club with no easy task by any means, but this weekend's clash will give Koeman's charges the chance to build on some impressive developments again on home soil. Add to that the team's 6-0 League Cup victory over the MK Dons, the coastal club might just be starting to garner the confidence required to push back to some kind of consistent form.
Southampton's poor start might not be too surprising when you consider that they have major injuries to Fraser Forster, Florin Gardos and Jordy Clasie, and they will now be eager to get going at the earliest moment possible.
Team news
Southampton will be hoping the fitness of forward Pellé is sufficient for the Italian to start, having suffered from a slight knock following their 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Louis van Gaal's side last time out.
In defence, Ryan Bertrand could make a return to the side as he begins to approach a return to full fitness, while it is expected that Cedric Soares will replace Maya Yoshida at right-back following the defeat to United.
As for the visitors, Garry Monk should have a full squad of players to pick from if Franck Tabanou recovers in time, having suffered from cramp during their midweek defeat against Championship side Hull City.
Bafetimbi Gomis will likely continue as the club's lone striker, while further support is to come from a creative three of André Ayew, Jefferson Montero and Gylfi Sigurdsson from in-behind.