Ronald Koeman says Saints have to be wary of Manchester City and cannot take it for granted that they will be distracted by their Champions League exploits.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side arrive at St Mary’s on Sunday in the middle of a two-legged semi-final with Real Madrid, which is delicately poised after a goalless first tie.

There is a chance that Pellegrini could choose to rest some of his stars names, but with a top four finish in the Premier League still far from assured, Koeman admits it is hard to predict what might happen.

With that in mind he is determined Saints remain focussed.

He said: “I don’t know (if City will be distracted). Still they need to finish in the top four and they still are not sure about that and that makes it different.

“I can understand the Real Madrid away game is a big one but they are professional and they have more than 11 good players to start.

“It’s possible the manager will change some players but still they are strong.

“They changed some players in other games and had good wins.

“They are strong and you need to be at your best to give them good competition.”

He added: “Like always we analyse our opponent, talk about the strengths of them, the weaknesses and to play your best game.

“We have good results against the big teams but not against City.

“We get a possibility to beat them for the first time and that will be a nice challenge.”

Koeman insists Saints need to win their final three games – starting with City on Sunday, and followed by Tottenham away and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s – to qualify for European football.

He does though have a fully fit squad to pick from with Charlie Austin available again.