I really hate the term “must win”, but most of us will agree that tomorrow is arguably the best chance of securing points in a tough month. Apart from Bolton away, Villa will face Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and bogey team Stoke.
As fans, we’re hoping for a more attacking game from Villa. As I mentioned in a post earlier in the week, Villa have much to make for after a capitulation to Bolton in the cup earlier this year. Given their current form, this should be a good chance for a win. “Should” however is as far as I go.
It seems a real shame that I have to suggest that we only “should” win. Bolton have not been in particularly good form this season with Owen Coyle looking nowhere near the talent that he may have been after leaving Burnley for the North West club. In my opinion at least.
Gary Cahill will unfortunately (for Villa fans at least) be part of the action for the Wanderers. I’m sure I’m not the only one who still wishes Gary had been kept at our club, especially given our current defensive frailties. David Wheater will definitely be out due to it being the second game of a four match ban, whilst former Villa player Niger Reo-Coker will be touch and go before the game.
Following Shay Given’s injury, Brad Guzan will start the first game of this season amidst the opening of contract negotiations with the club. Due to Jermaine Jenas’ season ending injury, both Stiliyan Petrov and Stephen Ireland will be looking to take the place the on-loan Tottenham player has vacated. The only other injury in Villa’s squad is Eric Lichaj, who will be expected to return to training in the new year.
Quotes
Owen Coyle on the pressure managers face: “We all know the nature of the game we are involved in and I’ve said before, so long as people are not personal in terms of their criticism, then so be it. We have all been in the game long enough and are big enough and ugly enough to accept what goes on. Alex knew the challenges he was going to face and he also knows, as I do, that when you are winning games everything is rosy in the garden.”
Alex McLeish on a potential return to form for Charles N’Zogbia: “Charles [N’Zogbia] is capable of electric performances. I’m just encouraging him. I think he understands I’m his biggest supporter. I brought him to the club, I’ve shown great faith in him and I just want to see Charles at his best because he can cause problems to defenders. He has trained great this week and that is the attitude I would expect of any player, especially at the top level. There is no hiding place.”
Turvey’s Thought
Travelling to the Reebok should offer some joy in the season of goodwill following a period of fan unrest. Should McLeish manage to make attacking football happen via a combination of his tactics and the efforts of the team, Bolton should be overcome. It may not be a smooth win, but Villa have enough in the squad to get the job done.
McLeish is at the point where talking is irrelevant. All that fans care about from now is taking three points.
A loss would surely push McLeish closer to the edge. A draw would only be a stay of execution in my opinion.
As fans, I am sure you will join me in hoping that neither Cahill or Reo-Coker come back to haunt us. Reo-Coker was much improved last season and I personally think he could have done a job for us. Cahill never should have been sold, but it is a bit late to be worrying about that. My prime concern will be getting points. Anything less than three will surely mean some kind of protest at the next Villa game as a majority of fans consider the current efforts not good enough.
Statistics
The following statistics are provided by Opta.
Bolton’s win at the Reebok last season ended a run of eight matches without a victory over Villa in the league (W0 D4 L4).
The Trotters have won just two (W2 D9 L6) of their last 17 Premier League games against Villa.
The two sides have already met once this season, with Bolton beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park in the Carling Cup.
Aston Villa are one of Kevin Davies’s favourite Premier League opponents, having scored a personal joint-high eight goals against the Villa.
Bolton have lost eight of their last nine Premier League games at home, winning the other match.
Aston Villa have won none of their last seven Premier League away games (W0 D5 L2).
Emile Heskey became the sixth different player to make 500 Premier League appearances in his last match against Manchester United.
Aston Villa are the only team in the Premier League without a goal from a corner this season, while Bolton have conceded eight from corner kicks (the most in the division).
Bolton have hit the target with 56 per cent of their attempts this season, the highest percentage in the top division.
Aston Villa have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions this season (9).
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