Villa have been beaten only once in eight games in all competitions and have improved significantly in terms of their performance levels since the new year. There has also been a feelgood factor after the arrival of Darren Bent and Jean Makoun during the January transfer window. But Villa are still just three points above the bottom three in the Barclays Premier League.
Manager Houllier is aware of the significance of Saturday`s home game with Blackburn and concedes he will not be concerned if Villa "win ugly".
He is hoping his players will be refreshed after a fortnight's break from action as they gear up for the final third of the campaign.
Houllier said: "This is a vital game for us. A huge game. We definitely need a win. We haven't been playing for 15 days and we are playing a team that will be with us in the relegation battle to the end so a win at home is very important.
"The players have got the belief to get out of trouble. They have improved a lot. Since the turn of the year, the team in terms of performances and results have done much better. They keep working hard and progressing - but what matters now is wins, whether we play ugly or we play well. We need to win the games."
Source: PA
Source: PA