Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is concerned about being dragged into the relegation battle.
Villa sit just five points above the drop zone and arguably face the toughest run-in of the sides down at the wrong end of the table.
"I don't think I have ever not been worried this season," McLeish told the Daily Mirror.
"We have to look to get to at least 40 points. That is the target I'd be giving to the players and get to that target as quickly as possible.
"I think we could have been better with some of the points we have thrown away.
"But we have been weakened by injuries. Birmingham were also definitely significantly weakened after winning the Cup final - losing about five or six key players.
"That does make your job much harder without doubt. But I care, I am conscientious and try and leave no stone unturned.
"I am a deep thinker about things. I am concentrating on winning enough games to make sure Villa is OK."