Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood says morale was boosted during the international break with their point against West Ham United.
Villa meet Southampton this weekend.
Westwood told Villa's website: "West Ham were on a good run but we went there and picked up a good, valuable point. We showed plenty of character.
"It will the same kind of test on Monday. They are in great form. They lost a lot of players in the summer but the lads they have brought in have started the season excellently.
"They look a real force and obviously they are the closest in the table to Chelsea so they can't be doing a lot wrong.
"To stop the losing streak was important for us. We certainly didn't want to go into the international break without something.
"We picked up a very good point. It gave us a lift. And training since - these past two weeks - has been brilliant.
"I am sure the internationals coming back on Thursday will only add to that. We want to stop that fine run of theirs."
