We need the points as much as Bolton Wanderers - Martin O'Neill

Apr 4 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill has told his team that the three points tomorrow are just as important to eighth-placed Aston Villa as they are to third-bottom Bolton Wanderers.

And he hopes Gary Megson's side will look to take the game to a Villa side seeking a vital home win after two dismal displays.

"It's a big game," said O'Neill. "We are still involved in a race to get us into the top six.

"We have had a bad run. Now the most important issue is winning this game.

"This game is very, very important to us, as it will be to Bolton.

"We have disappointed in the last number of weeks and we are going to have to rectify that.

"We are going to have to do something really big to win the game, so our idea is to try and create as many chances as we can."

O'Neill is expecting a really tough battle.

"Bolton will come here, fighting desperately - as desperate as any side has been because now it is getting to that stage.

"I would be hoping Bolton feel a draw would not be good enough and come and play, come out and help force it.

"Whatever way they play it, that's entirely up to them.

"It doesn't matter what people do here, as long as the game is played fairly. That's all you can ask.

"The issue is about us and us trying to win a game."