Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn says victory on Sunday against West Brom is a must.
Dean Smith's team head into the derby having won only two of their last 10 Premier League matches.
Villa, whose excellent start to the campaign had supporters dreaming of Europe, are now at risk of missing out on a top-half finish.
Midfielder McGinn said: “We don't want the season to peter out. We have been fantastic overall and it has been disappointing post-Christmas for a number of reasons. But there is a determination to finish as high as we can.
“Starting Sunday it is important we do that for ourselves, the staff and the supporters at home."
Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City was Villa's third in four matches and McGinn admitted they did not push the Premier League leaders hard enough.
He added: “There is a togetherness and we are always going to work hard.
“But we need more sharpness, to move the ball quicker and be better on it, myself included. Everyone needs to improve if we want to take Villa to the next level. We are fully aware of that."
