Premier League preview: Bolton v Aston Villa

Bolton host Aston Villa at Reebok Stadium on Saturday in dire need of three points to kick-start what has so far been a disappointing campaign.

After 14 games of the 2011/12 Premier League season, Owen Coyle’s Bolton team are languishing in 19th place, with only goal difference keeping them off the bottom ahead of Wigan.

Since their 5-0 home win over Stoke on November 6, Bolton have lost three games on the trot with their most recent outing a 3-0 defeat to Spurs at White Hart Lane.

Villa are ninth, but Alex McLeish’s side have struggled in recent weeks after a solid start.

Villa have claimed just one point from a possible nine in their last three matches, although it should be noted it has been top quality opposition – Spurs and Manchester United – that have inflicted their losses in that time.

McLeish has some personnel headaches ahead of the fixture.

Goalkeeper Shay Given could be out for a month after injuring a hamstring in the Manchester United game, while Jermaine Jenas – on loan from Spurs – is out for the foreseeable future after being stretchered off with an Achilles tendon injury in the same game.

Coyle is facing considerable selection problems of his own, however, with Lee Chung-Yong (broken leg) and Stuart Holden (knee) facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, and defender David Wheater is suspended for the clash.

Despite the mounting pressure Coyle is coming under, the Scot said he is determined to lead Bolton out of the doldrums.

“As a manager the responsibility is magnified hundred fold,” he said.

“You are not only responsible for a team but a club and a town. And that’s something I don’t take lightly.”

“I love this football club and I want to put a smile on people’s faces. I know things have conspired against us but we have got to come through that.”

“I think we do have enough in there to do that. If it means chopping and changing to give one or two who deserve a chance, then that’s something we need to look at as well.”

“But with the suspensions we are getting, on top of the injuries, we are getting down to the bare bones.”