That is according to Leeds legend Eddie Gray, who believes picking up points against top-six rivals at Elland Road is crucial.
A 2-0 win at Barnsley yesterday made it six points from three games for the Whites, who are up to eighth in the Championship table.
Gray believes Leeds are rebuilding their confidence but said: “It’ll be put fully to test on Friday night against a Villa team that have climbed the league.
“We have put ourselves in touching distance of the top six and you’ve got to maintain that type of form.
“The games against the teams like Villa, they’re the games you’ve got to win, your home games. We did it against Middlesbrough, against a side who’ll be harbouring thoughts of promotion.
“Wolverhampton was a bit different away from home but the Villa game, these are the type of games you’ve got to win if you’re going to be a contender.
“It sets it up lovely and it’ll be a big crowd at Elland Road again.”
Samuel Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski were on target against Barnsley.
Spanish playmaker Saiz is fast becoming a fans’ favourite and Gray hailed his “tremendous” outing at Oakwell.
“What I like about him now is I think he has realised he has to be strong and he is battling with defenders and he is good at holding balls up,” he told LUTV.
“He is very clever, although he is not the tallest, at nudging defenders off the ball when it’s up in the air.
“I thought he was tremendous today. You’ve got a chance of creating and also got a chance of scoring [when he plays].”