MAURICIO Pellegrino has labelled Saints’ impending Premier League matches as “fundamental” in their scrap for survival.

However, the 46-year-old boss is not preparing to simply sacrifice Saints’ fifth round FA Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion tomorrow, despite the vital games looming large on the horizon.

Instead, Pellegrino knows a victory, and progress to the quarter-final of the competition, can only help his side’s mentality heading into the Premier League dogfight.

Saints’ “fundamental” matches include a trip to Burnley, followed by a home game against fellow relegation zone outfit Stoke and then trips to bottom-half rivals Newcastle, Swansea and West Ham.

“I think we’ve got plenty of time to think about that. We are conscious that every single week we’ve got a game one at a time to prepare,” Pellegrino said.

“We’ve been working very well for this game, hopefully we’ll have a good game.

“Yes, fundamental games, and obviously every single game will be crucial,” he added.

“But you can’t think about the big picture all the time, you’ve got to think about refocusing our job day by day.

“You’ve got to be brave in the spirit to help to approach all those moments.”

Pellegrino admits he will tinker with his side at The Hawthorns tomorrow, but is adamant he is taking the competition seriously.

Mario Lemina suffered from a bout of dizziness during Saints’ 2-0 defeat to Liverpool weekend, but is ready for the Baggies trip.

The Gabon international was withdrawn from the St Mary’s loss just before the hour mark after complaining of feeling dizzy.

Shane Long is a doubt due to a leg injury, but Pellegrino stated that the striker will be assessed today before a final decision is made.

“We want to move forward to the next round, but also it can help us to improve as a team,” Pellegrino said.

“To introduce some players that didn’t play too much in the recent games.

“It can help us to believe more in our improvements since January.

“For those aspects it will be important to play seriously, try to win the game, try to do our best, and any of both teams got nothing to lose. You have to go forward because it’s like a final. “We’ve got this possibility and it’s amazing.”