The last international break, after the Ewood Park drubbing, couldn`t have come at a better time for the Wanderers to regroup and recruit. The latest break for World Cup qualifiers, however, couldn`t have come at a worst time.
After their first and only league win of the season at Birmingham, two weeks free from competitive action wasn`t the ideal scenario, especially when the next two league fixtures being winnable ones at the Reebok.
But with every storm cloud which passes overhead, one looks to the sky for the lining of silver? and alas, there was a slither of brightness. During the fortnight frustrations, of no league contests to build momentum, our injured or suffering players have had time to heal and gather fitness
As excited as the majority of Wanderers` fans are to have the league fixtures back in action, coupled with the hope of another three points tantalisingly touchable, tomorrow’s game is no gimme. Sheffield Wednesday won this fixture last year with a 1-0 win when most of us thought it would be a walkover. Like the Whites` before the Brum match, The Owls are without a league win to their names? Did Birmingham underestimate the Trotters?
If we fail to notch another victory tomorrow, apathy will be the reason.
Vital Quotes:
‘The games are very tight in this division and they are often settled on one or two goals maximum, so we will treat the Sheffield Wednesday game as we do any other,’
‘They`ve got one or two fantastic players in their team and Dave Jones knows what he`s doing.’
‘We`ve got to make sure we approach it in the right way and maintain the intensity that we play with at home and hopefully we`ll get the result that the performances have merited over the past few home games.’
Dougie obviously being overly cautious but he must fancy his chances.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Andre Moritz is available again for selection after months on the sidelines with a groin tear.
David Ngog is also fit after his ankle knock.
Also, Dougie has put any doubts to bed on whether Adam Bogdan would be dropped after letting 8 in against the Dutch. Freedman has stated, Adam is his no.1, but I’m sure all eyes will be on how the Hungarian recovers from his international bed-wetting.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
He’s off the mark and I hope he’s still hungry. He should be, strikers may lose speed and ability over time, but they never lose their appetite.
Let us hope tomorrow, he is starving.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News:
David Prutton is definitely unavailable and will be out for 4-5 weeks with an ankle injury.
Also, The Owls have doubts over goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who has been suffering from illness this week. Wednesday brought in young Arsenal goalkeeper, Damian Martinez and he is eligible to go straight into the starting eleven if needed.
Reda Johnson is Wednesday’s biggest worry going into the game with a groin injury and will be assessed close to kick-off.
If he fails to recover in time the Owls have been boosted with the news that Joe Mattock is in-line to return to action if needed.
Player to watch: Michail Antonio
The 23-year-old attacker is strong, quick with great feet. He also has an eye for a goal, but he is inconsistency personified.
Match Facts & Stats
The two sides have played each other 97 times.
Bolton have won 41
Wednesday have won 38
Match Prediction:
I’m not saying the Whites have turned the corner but I honestly can’t see us losing tomorrow. Having said that, Weds have failed to score only once this season, so 2-2… until Beckford gets the winner in the 93rd min.
Next Fixtures:
No midweek encounter so it’s Ipswich at the ‘bok next Saturday.