WHETHER Colin Todd opts for the exciting Gaetano Giallanza or the experienced Bob Taylor, Wanderers will be looking to Nathan Blake to spearhead their last ditch survival bid at Aston Villa tomorrow.

Twelve-goal top scorer Blake is the man Villa fear most in the Bolton line-up.

And his team-mates know that, if he gets lucky in the remaining three games, Wanderers have a fighting chance of staying in the Premiership.

Much will depend on whether Todd's defence can handle the twin threat of Dwight Yorke and Julian Joachim in a Villa side enjoying a renaissance under new boss John Gregory. But they'll need good fortune in front of goal in what could develop into an open, attacking game.

Because, although Wanderers are desperate for three points to keep their Premiership hopes alive, Villa know that defeat will put paid to their chances of UEFA Cup qualification.

With record signing Dean Holdsworth struggling with the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last two games, Todd must opt for one of his two loan signings to partner Blake, the man he believes is due a change of fortune.

"Nathan's been getting in the positions in the last few games without any success," he explained. "But he is still our No 1 threat."

Taylor is favourite to get the nod but Giallanza's exciting debut in the closing minutes of last Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Leeds has given the manager food for thought.

The only expected change involves Gerry Taggart stepping back for his first Premiership start since October 26 in place of the suspended Andy Todd.

Todd Snr took his squad for a pasta meal yesterday afternoon as part of his continuing quest to keep team spirit high. He explained: "It doesn't guarantee results but I know we are going into the game in very good spirits, particularly after the way we performed against Leeds, even though we lost the game.

"I've just reminded the players that we can't afford a performance like we had at Derby, where we were diabolical.

"That's behind us now but it serves as a warning of what can happen if the attitude isn't right."

Referring to the perilous plight, he said: "We know we're depending on other teams now but all we can hope for is that at 10 to five tomorrow, we've got the result we want at Villa and that other results have gone our way."

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