Mauricio Pochettino insists Saints need to improve their home form if they are to progress.

Saints travel to Crystal Palace this afternoon seeking a record sixth Premier League away win of the season.

Their form on the road has been superb, with five wins, four draws and five defeats yielding an impressive 19 points.

They have won three of their last six league games away – at Cardiff, Fulham and Hull.

But while that has been cause for celebration, Saints have only accrued one more point at St Mary’s, with a record of five wins, five draws and four defeats.

Saints have only recorded one home win since thrashing Hull in early November.

Pochettino doesn’t feel it has anything to do with Saints’ approach to the game, but recognises the differences.

“In the last few months we have played some really tough games at home and that might explain it a little bit,” he said. “We played against Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, so these were very tough teams we were playing against.

“Our mentality never changes, it’s always the same.

“It’s clear that in every single game we correct certain things.

“There are little details we change for every single team we are playing and overall we are very happy with the team’s performances.

“It is clear that we need to improve at home to be higher in the table and that’s our goal.”

He added: “We are a team that always tries to play the same way.

“We always try to be protagonists in the game.

We always try to dominate the game whether we are playing at St Mary’s or away. “It is always the same style – going out to win.

“It’s clear that these situations can happen where we don’t get as many points at home as we are getting away.

“Overall, I think we are a brave side who always tries to play, always tries to win.

“Over time we will find the balance between the two of them.

“The team’s youth and experience puts this team on the right path.”

Saints are giving themselves all the time available to assess the fitness of the 18 players who have been away on international duty before confirming a team for Palace. Kelvin Davis, who is sidelined for some time with a hamstring problem, is definitely out.

Pochettino’s men secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Palace back in September when Ian Holloway was in charge of the Eagles.

But it could be a tougher afternoon against Tony Pulis’ side.

“All games in the Premier League are very important and very intense and this will be no different,” said Pochettino.

“Crystal Palace will be very tough opposition, we are well aware of that.

“They are a very aggressive side, they have a clear style of play that has been imposed by Tony Pulis.

“We know we are going to be facing very tough opposition.”