There seems to be no stopping Aston Villa right now.

Saturday's 2-1 victory over play-off rivals Bristol City made it eight wins in a row for Dean Smith's side as they continued their march towards the top six, despite the absence of the likes of Jack Grealish through illness and Tyrone Mings due to suspension.

A Tammy Abraham penalty and Conor Hourihane's effort were enough to give Villa the win despite an outstanding performance from Robins 'keeper Max O'Leary and a late consolation from Famara Diedhiou.

Next up for Villa is a trip to League One threatened Bolton Wanderers on Friday. Defeat to The Midlands side would see relegation confirmed for The Trotters, while further cementing Villa's place in the top six.

With several key names available again for Villa, here is the XI that Dean Smith should play at The University of Bolton Stadium.

Having seemingly taken control of the number one spot with a string of impressive performances during Villa's recent run, Jed Steer will surely continue in goal on Friday.

With Villa's defence have stayed reasonably solid recently, there is little for reason for a huge overhaul at the back with Kortney Hause still injured. There should however be a recall for Tyrone Mings after suspension, with midfielder Mile Jedinak, who stepped in against Bristol City, the man you would expect to drop out.

Midfield is where the risks will largely be taken. There are some concerns over the availability of Jack Grealish and John McGinn for the play-offs due to fitness and suspension respectively. For Villa to worry about that they must first secure their top six spot and this is a huge opportunity to take a big step towards doing that, so they must pick their best men to make sure that happens. Given Hourihane's own contributions this season, Glenn Whelan seems the man most likely to drop out.

The same can be said up front in the case of Tammy Abraham. The on loan Chelsea man limped out of the Bristol City victory but is expected to be available. Abraham has been Villa's most effective finisher with Smith's side likely to get plenty of chances in Lancashire they need him there to put them in the net.

If they can make sure the game is won quickly, Abraham, McGinn and Grealish could all be set for an early rest, which would also give others to get minutes under the belt and stake their own claim for a chance to feature in the remaining weeks of the season.