Gerard Houllier was heavily criticised on Wednesday night for fielding a second-string team at Eastlands which saw Aston Villa bow out of the FA Cup and it is clear that the Frenchman is prioritising a strong finish in the Premier League.

Recent results mean that the Villans sit just five points above the drop zone with ten games remaining and Houllier will want to reach that 40-point mark with plenty of games to spare.

Houllier was unrepentant and he said: “I had to do it and I would do it again.”

He added: “I understand where they are coming from but I don’t think we could have beaten Manchester City.”

The Villa first team produced one of their finest performances of the season to beat Blackburn 4-1 on Saturday and the performance of Ashley Young was particularly outstanding.

Bolton sit four places higher and Owen Coyle’s side have only lost two matches at the Reebok Stadium this season, with Daniel Sturridge having scored in each of his four games in a Wanderers shirt.

“First and foremost he is a natural footballer and a terrific goalscorer, but for me he is more than that,” said Coyle. “He has pace, is tricky, is comfortable with both feet, and he is an exciting player. He receives the ball and you think ‘You know what? Something is going to happen,’ which as a manager is great”.

It remains to be seen as to whether Bolton will be able to secure his services on a permanent basis!

Match betting odds:

Bolton, 13/10 with Paddy Power

Draw, 12/5 with Victor Chandler

Aston Villa, 9/4 with bet365