Bolton depleted for Baggies match

Albion could face a Bolton side without three key players when they lock horns with former boss Gary Megson on Saturday.

Record signing Johan Elmander heads a trio of potential absentees for the Reebok Stadium clash with the Baggies.

The £11million Swedish striker could be joined on the sidelines by wideman Matthew Taylor, while former Villa centre-back Gary Cahill is defentely out through suspension.

He was sent off in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and starts a three-match ban at the weekend.

Megson is pessemistic about Elmander and Taylor's chances of recovering in time to face his former club, after both picked up injuries in the Premier League defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

Both are rated as "highly doubtful" by Megson, who is now desperate to land reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday.

He said: "We can't accelerate the search any more. Everyone is working all the hours God sends to bring in players before the transfer window closes, regardless of the injuries we have incurred or Gary's suspension."

Albion head for Bolton with all 2,820 tickets for visiting fans sold and with the team in need of points, after encouraging but ultimately fruitless displays against Arsenal and Everton.

Captain Jonathan Greening admits a positive day is important for belief in the Baggies camp.

He said: "We need to cut out the mistakes, starting on Saturday against Bolton. We need to get a good result to get some confidence back again.

"Words have been said, but we'll keep them behind closed doors. We need to stick together, keep going and believe in what the gaffer wants to do."