Aston Villa v Bolton Tip

We’ve reached the stage where every point is vital down the bottom of the Premier League and I think it could be a tight, cagey affair at Villa Park on Tuesday night. The hosts begin proceedings knowing that defeat to Bolton would be pretty calamitous; victory for Owen Coyle’s men would put them within three points of the Villains with a game in hand.

Aston Villa have rarely been a joy to watch this season, particularly for their own fans. Four home wins in 17 league outings have come courtesy of 18 goals scored - the lowest tally in the top flight. Without Darren Bent since February, Alex McLeish has failed to find anyone to plug the gap. Gabby Agbonlahor hasn’t scored in 19 league games dating back to 5 November and if he misses out through injury then Emile Heskey will be asked to step in. The former England man has one goal in 25 appearances this campaign.

If Villa are struggling to find the net - they drew 0-0 at home on Saturday - then it’s hard to expect much more of a Bolton side with one goal in their last three outings. Coyle is facing a midfield injury crisis that will do little for the creative potential of the Trotters.

Two teams struggling for form and goals look unlikely to produce a thriller. I could easily see this crucial encounter being settled by a solitary strike one way or the other. There may even be none at all. Bet365 offer us value at 11/4 that there will be under 2 goals in the match.