Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has identified the importance of accumulating as many points as possible over the hectic festive schedule.
The USA international and his teammates currently find themselves sitting 13th on the Premier League table after 16 matches but have the opportunity to tally more over a four-game period beginning this weekend.
Villa meet third-placed Manchester United at Villa Park on Saturday before fixtures against Swansea City, Sunderland and Crystal Palace and between December 26 and January 1.
Guzan feels the Villa side is beginning to improve to the levels of such clubs as Everton and Tottenham but knows they need to maximize their chances this winter if they want to climb into the top half of the table.
" we're not far off the likes of Everton and Tottenham, and there's still a lot to play for," he told MLSsoccer.com.
"The Christmas period is coming soon, with a lot of games in a short period of time," Guzan added.
"You need to pick up as many points as you can, and then the second half of the year always presents challenges from the fact that teams start realizing where they're at.
"Whether they're near the bottom or the top, everybody has something to play for. Hopefully, for us, our best [of the season] is still ahead."
