Aston Villa v Bolton Tips: More misery for travel-weary Trotters?

Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers will both be looking to move towards the top-half of the Championship when the pair meet at Villa Park tonight.

The Trotters have stalled after a promising start to the season, while Dean Smith is still getting used to his new surroundings following his move from Brentford.

Who will come out on top under the lights in the West Midlands?

Match Odds

Villa may be struggling on the road, but there’s nothing wrong with their home form.

The Villans have lost once at Villa Park this term and won 1-0 against Swansea City in Smith’s first home match in charge.

They’re 4/9 to make that two from two against a Bolton side which has won just three of their last 55 Championship away matches. It’s 13/10 for Villa to Win to Nil.

Our traders have the Trotters down at 13/2, with the draw available at 13/4.

Talking Tactics

Smith is still getting used to his new squad, but the decision to partner James Chester with Axel Tuanzebe is already looking like a smart decision.

The latter of the duo commented in the week about how the new manager has the team playing a much more fluid style than under previous boss Steve Bruce.

That should hold them in good stead going forward tonight, with John McGinn and Jack Grealish pulling the strings behind Tammy Abraham in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

They’ll have to be wary at the back, though. Bolton are a physical side and will likely start with 6ft+ duo Clayton Donaldson and Christian Doidge up-front.

Turkish talisman Erhun Oztumer will attempt to feed the pair from midfield, with Andrew Taylor and Pawel Olkowski firing in crosses from the sides.

Goalscorer Odds

Chelsea loanee Abraham is the 23/20 favourite to Score Anytime. He has three goals in his last five Championship appearances.

Three of Jonathan Kodjia four goals this term have come at Villa Park. Our traders have him down at 5/4 Anytime or 7/2 to Score First for the third time this season.

Bolton will be looking towards Donaldson at 10/3 and Doidge at 3/1 to do the damage going forward.

However, Villa have proved susceptible to flying full-backs in recent weeks.

That could let in ex-Cologne man Olkowski, who netted against Preston North End in September and is 16/1 to double his season’s tally here.

Match Info

When: 7:45pm

Where: Villa Park, Birmingham.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event

Click here for the latest Aston Villa v Bolton Wanderers odds.

Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing