Source: Team_Talk
Bolton boss wary of wounded Villans
olton boss Owen Coyle knows a motivated Aston Villa will be out to rectify the worst result in their Premier League history on Saturday.[LNB] Martin O'Neill's side have been licking their wounds these past few days in the wake of their 7-1 hiding at Chelsea last Saturday.[LNB]It was the first time in 36 years Villa had conceded so many goals in a game, damaging their hopes of a top-four finish and qualifying for next season's Champions League almost beyond repair.[LNB]With Villa also struggling with injuries, and question marks this week hanging over O'Neill's position, they would appear to be at a low ebb.[LNB]Coyle, though, is too wily to fall into the trap of thinking Villa are easy prey right now, believing instead they remain a redoubtable side.[LNB]"At the end of the day what Aston Villa have at their disposal is quality, and they have it in strength and depth," said Coyle.[LNB]"So I know whoever pulls on that Villa shirt tomorrow will be a quality player.[LNB]"As for any kind of backlash, no, I'm not worried about that at all because Villa will be motivated to win the game anyway.[LNB]"Clearly things conspired and went against them at Chelsea last week, so they'll be looking to rectify that and win points.[LNB]"All I have to do is get my group ready and make sure they're 100 per cent, and whatever comes after that then only time will tell."[LNB]Bolton have their own heavy defeat to recover from following a 4-0 drubbing at home to Manchester United, albeit a scoreline that many felt flattered Sir Alex Ferguson's side.[LNB]"Our result didn't reflect how we played, but equally I would suggest the result at Stamford Bridge didn't reflect how Aston Villa played either," added Coyle.[LNB]"Those games will have no bearing on tomorrow's match, which will see two teams going all out for different reasons.[LNB]"I'm sure Aston Villa will want to reinforce their claim for fourth place in the league, whereas we want to get to safety."[LNB]Prior to last week's games Bolton were a healthy eight points above the relegation zone, and seemingly on course for survival.[LNB]But it is remarkable how quickly perceptions can change as they are now only five points clear of the bottom three and still in trouble.[LNB]"There are six games remaining, so if you want to give me 18 points then I'll be absolutely delighted," said Coyle.[LNB]"There's no doubt all the teams at the bottom are in the same boat, in that we're desperate for points to move up the table to safety.[LNB]"That is my only concern - winning points. All you can do is try and win whatever game is in front of you.[LNB]"If we're looking for a positive, then all we have to do is look at where we were a few weeks ago when we were in the bottom three.[LNB]"We then elevated ourselves out of that position by winning games, so there's our answer - go and win games and we don't have to worry about anything."[LNB]Striker Johan Elmander is fit despite requiring six stitches in a head wound sustained in the defeat to United.[LNB]Coyle's defence is strengthened by the return of Gretar Steinsson from a one-match ban, but Paul Robinson faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury that saw him sit out the United game.
