VIDEO: Sherwood up for a dogfight at Villa

Villa are second from bottom of the Premier League after six straight league defeats, including Sherwood's first match at home to Stoke last Saturday.

They lost 2-1 to the Potters and go to Newcastle on Saturday in the relegation zone on goal difference.

Villa have not won in the league since December and Sherwood is prepared for a battle, saying: "The reality has to kick in that we're in a dogfight here and we need points as soon as possible.

"It's a work in progress now and I'm trying to identify the strengths and weaknesses as quickly as possible and try to put that jigsaw together.

"It was a big challenge anyway, they've won five games of football all season and we need to win six to stay in the division with not many games left.

"I'm learning all the time and I've looked from afar. You look at the strengths and weaknesses and you look for the right balance to try to win football matches."

Kieran Richardson is out with a calf problem while Ron Vlaar is suspended after his red card against Stoke, which conceded a last-minute penalty for Victor Moses to score the winner.

Sherwood added: "We're disappointed how it panned out and anyone can make an individual error but when you're at the bottom of the league you get punished for mistakes.

"Whatever time is left we have to get the job done. We need to do it for ourselves, we're going to fail trying."

Full-backs Alan Hutton and Aly Cissokho are both doubtful for the clash, while Kieran Richardson is already ruled out with injury.

Sherwood hasn't given up on the prospect of Hutton or Cissokho being available for the encounter at St James' Park.

But if either fails to make the fixture, the boss is confident others can come in and do the business for his team.

He said: "Cissokho is a doubt. Hutton is touch and go. There are a few doubts but it's an opportunity for other players to come in and impress."

Sherwood will be taking charge of the team in his first away game, having lost to Stoke in his first home match in a dramatic finish last weekend.

He's desperate to pick up his first win for confidence in camp – but he also wants to see joy for the supporters.

He added: "It's a long way to go. We all appreciate that here. It's a long way to travel. They are supporting their team and no-one is more loyal than the fans."

Sherwood also admitted that it will be a tough task to climb clear of the relegation zone, saying: "The reality has to kick in that we are in a dogfight here and we need points as soon as possible.

"It's a work in progress now and I am just trying to identify the strengths and weaknesses as soon as possible.

"I'm learning all the time about the guys. If we can get as many points as possible we are going to fail trying, that's for sure."