The Blues go into the trip to Anfield in 12th, knowing a victory will take us above 10th-placed Liverpool and into the top half.
Another good result at Villa Park would then leave us well-placed to push for a European qualification.
"As well as a good work ethic, there's a spring in the step of the players," Pearce told the City website.
"Going into these 2 games the boys are looking good, confidence-wise, on the training pitch, we know we have got a lot of work in front of us and tough games. We need to back up our decent home form with decent away form.
"If you get results at either of these places, certainly on Saturday at Liverpool, the lift that'll give the players will be immense.
"We know we're not far off European places then. We're 7 points off 3rd place, so it is extremely tight and if we win at Liverpool, we go above them.
"That's a massive goal for us to have," he added. "We know what we've got to do."