If I were a betting man I'd go for a 2-0 win and if I was a serious betting man I'd say 2 goals for Phillips and put a tenner on it, but I'm not, but I still might!

I've gone for the win for no other reason than it's the first game of the new season and it's at home.

I think every player knows how important the game is and if Phillips and Berger play they'll want to make a very quick impression and despite their age I still think they've both got the ability to win a match for us.

Bolton have had almost as difficult time as Villa in the transfer window so the team playing at Villa Park will most likely be very close to the team that finished the season.

Sam Allardyce has done a great job at Bolton and last year was a great achievement for them. Their fans will expect the same again this year so they'll be coming out wanting the win as much as Villa and I predict it will be a fairly scrappy game unless Villa get into a passing flow very early on and don't rely on the long ball.

It is vital for Villa to get a win this weekend and I'm convinced they will.

The first 6 games can define a season and I think we've got a great chance to build a lot of confidence and if all things go to plan (maybe a little too optimistic but 13 points) then I'll be one very happy Aston Villa fan and I think everyone else will be also.

Prediction: Villa win
Player to watch: Kevin Phillips