Fabian Hurzeler conceded that his Brighton team is low on confidence, but he believes there is no better opposition than Aston Villa to help them get their season back on track.
Brighton were beaten 1-0 by rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday, extending their winless league run to five matches, dropping them down to 14th in the table ahead of MD26.
The Seagulls' only win in their last 12 Premier League games (D6 L5) was a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Burnley in January.
Since the first game in this period (December 3 against Villa), they are 18th in the top-flight form table with nine points – they came into that fixture in fifth spot in the standings.
"We have a loss of confidence and the way to get that back is to work harder and stick closer together, and we have the opportunity to do that against Villa," Hurzeler said.
"There are only two options: to give up or work harder and push harder, and the second one is always the option I choose.
"The fans supported the team in a great way today. It is easier to play if there is positive energy in the stands, and it's our responsibility to create this."
Villa are, however, enduring a sticky patch of their own, having picked up just one win in their last five league games, which came against Newcastle United last month.
The Villans were forced to settle for a point against Bournemouth last time out, with Morgan Rogers' first-half strike cancelled out by Rayan's 55th-minute effort.
And their recent run of form has seen them fall nine points behind leaders Arsenal, with Manchester United and Chelsea hot on their heels for a place in the top four.
Speaking after the stalemate at Vitality Stadium, Rogers acknowledged his team were not good enough in the second half, but insisted his team would look to bounce back.
"We're a bit disappointed after going 1-0 ahead – you want to try and see the game out and even add to the lead," Rogers said.
"We had chances to do that; it was a very open game. Both teams got into the box and created chances, but they were miles better than us in the second half.
"They deserved to get back into the game. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is, and we move forward."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has scored more goals (nine) and has more goal involvements (11) against Brighton than any other opponent in the Premier League.
Indeed, he averages a goal or assist every 76 minutes against the Seagulls, the best rate of any player to play 600+ minutes against them.
Brighton – James Milner
After not being brought on against Crystal Palace, James Milner could equal the all-time Premier League appearance record in this match against his former club.
He played 100 times in the competition for Villa between 2005 and 2010. Milner already has the record for most Premier League games played against former teams (61).