I haven’t had chance to pull together a proper preview for Bolton’s visit to Villa Park, but this game is definitely more about various intertwining story arcs off the pitch than tactics and strategy on the pitch.

It is, of course, Kevin MacDonald’s final game in charge and it goes without saying that he and the players will want to both finish on a high note and attempt to atone for the slip-ups in the past few weeks. MacDonald’s grace and class in an interview on the official site is worth your time if you haven’t read it. What a gentleman.

MacDonald has revealed that he and Gérard Houllier have been speaking on the phone all week, but Houllier has insisted that MacDonald takes full charge today, including team selection. Houllier will be watching from the stands and will officially take over after the game.

One young player Gérard will hopefully have an eye on is Marc Albrighton. As much as I hate linking to the Daily Mail, that does appear to be the source of an interview with Marc where he reveals how Gordon Cowans switched him from striker to winger and John Robertson helped mold him into the player we have today. Again, something that’s worth your time if you haven’t already seen it.

As for Bolton, well they’re in a period of transition under Owen Coyle. They’re definitely heading in the right direction, but you don’t change from a Big Sam style football club (which according to his recent comments you’d be forgiven for thinking is a Real Madrid/Inter Milan style) to a more sophisticated approach overnight.

The good news for us, despite his transgressions in the past when re-visiting Villa Park, is that Gary Cahill is suspended, as is Jussi Jääskeläinen of course, so young Adam Bogdan ought to get his third start of the season in goal, Zat Knight with the unfamiliar partner of Andy O’Brien.

Less great, the likely central pairing of Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Holden are currently the two leading tacklers in the Premier League, so if Stephen Ireland starts, as is expected, he’s probably in for a tough time. Also, Kevin Davies has the most fouls in the Premiership right now, but you probably already had a good idea that was the case.

If it were down to me, I’d start with Reo-Coker and give Ireland most of the second half, but under the circumstances and Bolton’s recent history at Villa Park, it’s difficult to see this ending in any other result than a home win regardless.

Late News: The Guardian are reporting that Gary McAllister has agreed to become Gérard Houllier’s assistant manager. Gordon Cowans has been promoted to first team coach along with Rafa Gonzalez (GK Coach) and Robert Duverne will be fitness coach.

Team News Will Appear Here Shortly

Starting XI: Friedel, L Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Downing, Ireland, Albrighton, Petrov, A Young, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Guzan, Carew, Heskey, Reo-Coker, Clark, Cuellar, Bannan.

Bolton: Bogdan, Knight, O’Brien, Steinsson, Robinson, Muamba, Holden, Elmander, M Petrov, Davies, Lee.

Subs: Lainton, Taylor, M Davies, Klasnic, Ricketts, Moreno, Blake.