Ronald Koeman: Southampton boss confident of reversing form

Ronald Koeman knows his side face a battle to push for European qualification this season

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says his side are in danger of being sucked into a Premier League relegation battle.

Saints have taken just one point from their last four games to slip to 12th in the table.

"If we don't get wins in the next couple of weeks, we'll be close to the teams who might be struggling against relegation," said Koeman.

However, the Dutchman, 52, believes they have what it takes to turn their recent poor form around.

Southampton are still seven points above the relegation zone and face Tottenham at St Mary's on Saturday before taking on Arsenal on Boxing Day and West Ham on 28 December.

"I'm always positive, I think we will get positive results in the next couple of weeks," Koeman told BBC Radio Solent.

"If you look to the table and who we play in the coming weeks, we will know a lot more about our ambition for the rest of season after those games."

This weekend's game sees the return to St Mary's of Mauricio Pochettino, who led Southampton to eighth in his one full season in charge and guided Tottenham to fifth last term.

Koeman knows what to expect from the Argentinian's side, who were shocked by Newcastle in their last game at White Hart Lane.

He added: "Tottenham are a strong team with great ball players, who like to play between the lines.

"That means defensive wise, we will have to be very compact and aggressive."