Russell Martin: ‘People ask me about six-pointers, every game in the Premier League is huge’

Southampton welcome fellow promoted side Leicester City to St Mary's on Saturday in what many have dubbed a 'must-win game.' Martin's side were twice beaten by the Foxes last season, then coached by current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. Now managed by Steve Cooper, Leicester earned their first win of the season last time out while Saints are still waiting for a maiden victory. Previewing the game on Thursday, Martin admitted he expects a difficult game against Leicester but revealed his players are aware of how big the game is.  "I think it'll be two well-coached teams in different styles, but, honestly, the focus has been on us," he explained. "We have an awareness of what they can do because they've put in a really good performance away at Arsenal. Bournemouth at home, they were very good. "I think people keep asking me how big the game is. Is it a six-pointer and all that? Every game in the Premier League is huge. Southampton have earned one point since winning promotion (Image: Stuart Martin) "I think they've still got some brilliant traits from last season where they were asked to play in a really clear way under Enzo. "They were the best team in the league and that proved. Over the course of the season, they were outstanding. "They still have some really brilliant attributes that Steve's obviously put into his team and allowed them to maintain. "The previous results will dictate how other people feel about it externally and the result and all the noise around it. "Every game is huge and the guys know that. Now we have another opposition in our way of three points that want it as much as we do." Argentine Facundo Buonanotte had been linked with Southampton before joining Leicester on loan, but Martin insisted he was never an option at St Mary's. "He was never mentioned here, so I think there were a lot of players linked here. I watched him a lot for Brighton over the last year or so before he got injured. We are aware of their threats."