Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has predicted that this weekend's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur with be a "special" match.

Just one point separates the two sides in the table with five games of the season remaining, while there is also the added spice of former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino returning to St Mary's for the first time since leaving last summer.

Koeman steadied the ship following a huge overhaul of players in the wake of Pochettino's exit, and the Dutchman acknowledged that the Argentine's presence in the opposition dugout will make the match extra special for the fans.

"Everybody was afraid because we had to make a lot of changes in the team. But I think the quality of the players that we brought in were good, at a good level. I think the rest of the players had really a good aspiration and ambition to do a good season, to play a good season at a good level," Koeman told PA.

"Now we are fighting for a high position in the table. There's still five games to play and a very nice one this Saturday afternoon.

"It is Tottenham, the difference is only one point and, okay, for the fans maybe it makes it a little bit more special because Mauricio is now the coach and was the coach of Southampton. He is the coach of the opponent this Saturday, so that makes it special but the game will be decided between the white lines."

Koeman also expressed his belief that Pochettino would be afforded a warm reception at St Mary's, despite a number of away fans targeting him with jeers in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane.