James Chester admits Aston Villa still playing "catch-up" in the Championship
James Chester is confident Villa can force their way into the automatic promotion race but admits: “We’re still playing catch-up.”
Villa head to Preston on Wednesday on a run of just one defeat in 11 Championship games which has seen them steadily climb the table.
But there is still ground to be made up on the top two and defender Chester said: “We are all well aware of the targets you need to hit throughout the season to get promoted automatically or reach the play-offs.
“It probably works out at around two points a game (for automatic promotion). We are maybe a little shy of where we want to be in terms of a points tally at this point.
“We are not far off. We are not losing and if we can continue the form at home and pick up the odd win away I am confident we will be there or thereabouts.”
Two defeats in the opening three league games left Villa languishing in the bottom half of the table. But September’s 3-0 win at Barnsley was the first of five in seven which saw them climb into the top six.
“The pressure before Barnsley was more in the performances we had produced away from home,” said Chester. “No-one likes to lose games but when performances aren’t great it creates more pressure.
“Since then Wolves is the only league game we have lost. We are in decent form and if you keep picking up points, winning your home games but not losing away, you are not going to be far off at the end of the season.”
Chester has meanwhile hailed the return from injury of "defender's dream" Mile Jedinak.
The 33-year-old, who underwent groin surgery in the summer, made just his second appearance of the season as a second half substitute in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Blues and could start at Deepdale.
Chester said: "Mile is perfect for us in front of the back four. I always tell him I have not had to head a ball for six or 12 months.
"When he plays in front he is great for me. With the way the game was going when he came on against Blues, I felt he turned it back around in our favour.
"It is the experience and knowledge. He also adds another physical dimension to us. In midfield he protects me and John (Terry) really well. We are grateful for him."
