George Burley has said that he still wants to hit 40 points for the season, but we shouldn't assume that the first three will come on Saturday.
Burley said "Every team goes on to the field wanting to win and Villa will be no different. They are a very skilful side who still have a chance of qualifying for Europe."
While Europe is possible for the Birmingham side, their form especially away from home is not very good. In their last eleven games, they have won just one game at Charlton (2-1), and have lost to Blackburn (3-0), Manchester United (1-0), Derby (3-1), Arsenal (3-2), Newcastle (3-0), Everton (3-2) and draws with Fulham (0-0), Sunderland (1-1), West Ham (1-1), and Leeds (1-1).
If we are to reach Burley's target of 40 then Town will have to take points off teams fighting at either end of the table. Another nine points are required from our notoriously poor run-in, but Burley sees every game as another possible three points: "Games are creeping up on us and we know the importance of them all. Our target is still 40 points and every match is vital, regardless of what position in the table our opponents are."
Town's remaining games are Aston Villa (H), West Ham United (A), Chelsea (H), Bolton Wanderers (A), Arsenal (A), Middlesbrough (H), Manchester United (H) and Liverpool (A).