Rioch was the Trotters manager the last time Bolton reached a major domestic final back in 1995 when they narrowly lost out to Liverpool in the Coca Cola Cup Final whilst also having a spell during his playing days with Villa and he says Sam Allardyce's side will have the edge over their Midlands opponents.
"Things won't be decided after the first game but I see Bolton shading it over two matches.A match between Bolton and Villa means two closely matched sides. I go for Bolton - they have been playing well but they have got to produce." Rioch told the Manchester Evening News