Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert won't set target
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert today refused to set a points total for survival ahead of their crunch Premier League relegation battle with Queens Park Rangers.
The claret and blues are three points above relegation zone and have an opportunity to boost hopes of staying in the leaguewhen they host Harry Redknapp’s basement boys at Villa Park.
Former Villa boss Alex McLeish kept them up with 38 points as they finished 16th last season, but Lambert would not set a specific figure for his side to beat the drop with nine games left.
He said: "I’m not so sure of the total required because there are a right few teams battling away. A lot depends on what happens elsewhere. It’s hard to see what is going to do it.
“You just have to focus on the next game. I think there are a few teams in it. We don’t have to worry about QPR, just ourselves.
“I’ve just got told the last time we won back-to-back games was 2011 which is a long time. It’s a big game, but so was last week. It’s the same pressure and the lads are playing well with.
“We have to be ruthless. Harry Redknapp is a brilliant manager and a good guy but we have to win.”
Villa will check on the fitness of striker Darren Bent after Lambert confirmed he is still doubtful for the match with a foot injury.
Lambert added: “Darren is striking the ball and is running but he’s still struggling a bit so we will have to see. I’ll see tomorrow whether I select the same side."