Aston Villa Look To Bounce Back Against Bolton Wanderers

Following the crushing disappointment of a 2-1 defeat away to West Ham at Upton Park, Aston Villa will look to set things right on Saturday when they host Bolton Wanderers.

The Villans will be out to prove their credentials as a top four team after their blip against the London side, a game in which young talent Zavon Hines was the hero for the Hammers.

However, it won't be easy for Aston Villa, as captain Stiliyan Petrov is ruled out of the Bolton match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in that defeat to West Ham.

It's worth pointing out that last season, players who picked up a fifth yellow card had seven days before a suspension came into effect. Nowadays, however, the ban is immediate, leaving Petrov to rue his poor discipline so far this season.

And the Villa skipper isn't the only one missing. To add to the woes of manager Martin O'Neill, fullback Habib Beye will accompany Petrov on the sidelines after his sending off at Upton Park on Wednesday.

Also, there are doubts over the fitness of target man Emile Heskey (back), speedy winger James Milner (calf), and young midfielder Craig Gardener (groin).

Although, it's not all doom and gloom for O'Neill. Yes, the Villans are still without key players Curtis Davies and Stewart Downing, but at least they can recall Spanish rock Carlos Cuéllar into the heart of defence after he served his suspension on Wednesday in that game against West Ham.

As for the side making the trip to Villa Park, Bolton Wanderers are without suspended duo Fabrice Muamba (once of Villa's arch-rivals Birmingham City) and Jlloyd Samuel (himself once an Aston Villa man). On top of that, midfielders Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien are still unavailable for the Trotters.

Following two consecutive 4-0 drubbings at the mercy of league leaders Chelsea, Bolton will want to set things right when they take on Aston Villa, as they currently languish 15th in the table.

But, if you are one of those that believe statistics guide the way in determining the results of football encounters, then here's a good one for you:

Bolton Wanderers have failed to beat Aston Villa in their last five meetings home and away.