Aston Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi has urged his teammates to "stand up" and "show some character" in tomorrow night's Capital One Cup tie with Tranmere Rovers at Villa Park.
Paul Lambert's men have suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening two Premier League matches this season and El Ahmadi says that the team must halt their recent slump by recording a victory over the League One side.
"We have to prepare quick because on Tuesday we have another game and we have to win," El Ahmadi told the club's official website.
"We have to show some character as a team and as players. We are professionals and we have to stand up."
Tranmere are unbeaten in their last five competitive fixtures.