Aston Villa fans here in the Tavern are looking to get their promotion bid back on track in today’s fixture, after suffering a demoralising defeat against Queens Park Rangers last time out.

The Villains were looking to challenge for automatic promotion to the Premier League, though failed to make the most of their promising position after falling to defeat against QPR on Tuesday. Indeed, Steve Bruce will now be relying on other teams to help them out in the race for an automatic promotion place, as Cardiff City now have a seven-point cushion.

However, Aston Villa face a trip to relegation contenders Bolton Wanderers in today’s Championship fixture, with the Trotters looking to secure all three points in their quest for survival. Although, the game later today is of great importance to the Villains with anything less than a victory being a disaster, so Steve Bruce will have some key decisions to make ahead of kick-off.

Therefore, here’s a look at TWO Aston Villa players that need to start later today vs Bolton Wanderers…

Scott Hogan

Scott Hogan has been Villa’s primary striker so far this season as injuries have provided him with multiple opportunities in the starting XI, and it’s fair to say he hasn’t disappointed having produced eight goals and two assists thus far.

Although, the 25-year-old has been pushed out the side by January signing Lewis Grabban over the past couple of weeks, and was brought on as a substitute in their disappointing loss last time out.

However, Hogan must be given a place in the starting XI to get Aston Villa back on track, with his pace and deadly eye for goal set to cause a leaky Bolton Wanderers defence all sorts of problems.

Birkir Bjarnason

The Icelandic international has spent the majority of his time at Villa Park on the substitute bench after signing in January of last year, but managed to bag the fourth goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

Indeed, the 29-year-old is yet to live up to expectations after some less than convincing performances in the claret and blue, with only three goals and two assists to his name in 23 appearances for the club this season.

However, Steve Bruce must gift a start to the midfielder after his performance against Wolves, as his introduction could cause a struggling Bolton Wanderers side all sorts of problems.