Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse says they can lay down a marker against Sheffield United.
Saints have often performed well against the top-flight's toughest opponents, only to struggle against the weaker teams.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Ward-Prowse said: I think it's a possibility in the last year or two [that they've struggled against weaker teams].
We want to get a solid foothold in the Premier League and for us to do that, we need to go into these matches and win them. This is definitely the sort of game where I believe we can do that.
When you are away from home you naturally look to defend first and get a foothold of the game.
These are the games that we have to win and beat these teams.
There is an expectancy on us, but we have to make sure we play our game plan the right way.
If we do that then we will pick up points."
