Preview: Five talking points ahead of Wanderers v Aston Villa

Following on from last weekend's draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, Wanderers are back in action at Macron Stadium this Saturday as they host Aston Villa.

And with the Trotters keen to bounce back to winning ways on home soil after defeat to Preston here last time out, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of Bolton's clash with the Villans.

1. Live on Sky Sports

The last time Wanderers appeared on Sky Sports was when they hosted Bristol City at Macron Stadium on February 2, where a sensational second-half goal from Sammy Ameobi saw the Whites run out 1-0 winners in front of millions watching at home.

Can Phil Parkinson's men impress once again in front of the Sky cameras? The gaffer will certainly be hoping for a case of deja vu this weekend as we head into the final furlong of the campaign.

2. Community Fixture

The Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa has been designated as the club’s official Community Fixture for the 2017/18 season.

Wanderers will also be donating £5 from each adult ticket sold in the Carrs Pasties North Stand to the club's designed charity partners who are Derian House Children’s Hospice, Zak Vali Foundation, Daytrippers Bolton, Urban Shift and The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumor Charity.

The aim of the day is to bring Bolton family together by inviting charities, community groups and individuals to BL6 for the Trotters' latest fixture, alongside hosting a special half-time parade.

3. Strong home form

Wanderers have proven a tough nut to crack in recent months on home soil and have only lost two of their last 13 games at Macron Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship, with defeats to Burton Albion in December and Preston North End earlier this month the only blemishes to their record.

With the end of the campaign in sight meanwhile and just five games left at BL6 between now and the final game of the season on May 6, the Whites will be eager to put their reverse against the Lilywhites last time out here behind them and kick-on inside the closing stages of 2017/18.

4. Competition for places

Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson confirmed in his pre-match press conference that captain Darren Pratley will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s game having taken a knock in training earlier this week.

Should the skipper not be fit to feature meanwhile, there is certainly ample competition for places in the Bolton squad, particularly in midfield, with many players chomping at the bit to feature in this weekend's clash with the promotion-chasing Villans. 

5. Late kick-off

Fans are reminded that Saturday’s game is a 5.30pm kick off with the game being televised live on Sky Sports.

Overseas-based iFollow BWFC subscribers meanwhile will not be able to watch the game live on the service as a result, but audio commentary will still be available.

Alternatively, updates will be available on the club's Twitter account, @OfficialBWFC, with a full match report available on bwfc.co.uk on the final whistle.

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