Steven Davis is expecting a different, but just as difficult, test when Southampton welcome West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Eve.
Saints were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, as despite Virgil van Dijk’s second-minute goal, the visitors came from behind to claim all three points.
Claude Puel’s side will now hope to end 2016 on a positive note, as they face the Baggies in their final game of the year at St Mary’s.
“We know all about West Brom and how well-drilled they are and how they set up, so they will be difficult for us to break down,” Davis said.
“It’s a home game for us and one that we will be looking to win to end the year on a positive note.
“They’ve been on a good run of form themselves and their games are always very close.
“We’re expecting a tough game, but being at home we’ll be expecting to try and go out and get the three points.”
West Brom sit a place behind Saints in the table, and Davis knows the importance of three points against Tony Pulis’s side this weekend.
“They are in the little group along with us trying to get as many points as possible and be top of that group within the table,” Davis added.
“As we know, it’s going to be a tough game. They are high on confidence at the minute and a lot of their games are always very tight, whether they win or lose.
“It’s important that we go out and show our qualities that we have and carry that attacking threat that we had against Bournemouth.”