Ronald Koeman admits Southampton’s chances of forcing their way back into Champions League contention are remote. Saints have eight league matches, starting with today’s trip to Everton, to overhaul the six-point gap on fourth-place Manchester United.

– #360Podcast: Is Falcao off to Valencia? 
– Fantasy football tips: Double trouble for QPR and Aston Villa (GW31)

While Koeman insists qualifying for Europe remains possible, he knows it would take an extended winning run to propel the club into contention for the premier competition once more.

“Realistically the Champions League will be difficult for us because we have the distance to make up in points,” Koeman said.

“If we win the next two or three games we’ll be fighting for it, but the Champions League is more for the big teams.

“If we reach Europe, it will mean a special season for the club.”

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku will have a late fitness test on a hamstring problem for today’s game.

Elsewhere, manager Nigel Pearson knows Leicester must “make a move” now as he targets home points to seal survival.

Pearson, who side lie seven points from safety and are winless in their last nine league games ahead of facing West Ham today, said: “I can talk about staying in touch but we have to make a move.

“We have to make sure we maximise our home opportunities.”