At Bolton, it's not rocket science and bet of the day

We all know this, but a win today and we equal a very old record. But a win today could pretty much confirm us in the play-offs also and that is why it's important. And why I'm sure the manager has said what he needs to say to the players and why I suspect we'll see a similar type of performance today.

And by this I mean, we can see how the team are playing and it's not rocket science. It's football the way football should be played. By a team, playing for each other, with a little help of a few more skilled players.

And there is nothing wrong with having better players. Someone still has to get them playing together and for each other. Is it a coincidence that that happened for us when Jack Grealish returned?

I've always believed that one player could make a difference to a team, I just never thought I'd see it at Aston Villa and I'm not 100% convinced, but it's hard to argue against right now. And if, just if, it's real.

At Bolton

So at 3pm today, it starts and by starts I mean the game kicks off but also that we have to treat this as just every other match. Approach it the same way and we should get the same result as long as we put in the same performance and have the same attitude.

I'll be back with team news and updates. But before that, a big breakfast, some work and my bet of the day. I haven't done this in a while, but I'm doing it today. It's a double and I'm putting a tenner on Leeds and Bristol City to win. If they both win, I have £24 in my pocket instead. Get the odds here.

Match preview from the manager

Match facts from the BBC

  • Bolton are looking to win consecutive home league games against Aston Villa for the first time since September 2002.
  • Aston Villa have not completed a league double over Bolton Wanderers since the 2009-10 campaign.
  • Bolton are winless in their past eight league matches played on Good Friday (W0 D3 L5) since a 1-0 win at Leyton Orient in April 1963.
  • This is Aston Villa's first league match on Good Friday since April 1999, when they drew 0-0 at home to West Ham United.
  • If Bolton lose this match, they will break their record for most league defeats in a single season (26 so far this season and 26 in 2015-16).
  • Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has never lost a league game on Good Friday (W1 D4 L0).