Premier League preview: Bolton v Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is certain to make changes his side visits Bolton in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Houllier has copped a barrage of criticism for making eight changes to the side that was soundly thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

Just four points separate Owen Coyle’s side in seventh place from the Villans’ spot in 12th prior to the clash at Reebok Stadium.

Houllier intimated his side had little chance of beating the cashed-up City in the Cup clash, and the Frenchman defended his right to leave the likes of Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton out of the starting XI.

“I had to do it and I would do it again. I understand where they are coming from but I don’t think we could have beaten Manchester City,” Houllier said.

On-loan Bolton striker Daniel Sturridge will attempt to score for his fifth straight match in a Wanderers top after making the temporary move from Chelsea in January, having already become just the sixth player to score in his first four games for a Premier League club when he struck the equaliser against Newcastle on Saturday.

Villa will be hoping midfielder Young can maintain his streak against Bolton, having netted in his past five appearances against the club.

Should Jussi Jaaskelainen line up in goal for Bolton, it will be his 499th appearance for the club. The veteran has relished the competition second-choice goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is now providing, with the young Hungarian keeping consecutive clean sheets in FA Cup ties.

“I’d like to play every game, but the manager makes the team choices. At the end of the day it’s about the results and we got two great ones in the (FA) Cup,” the Finn said.