Bolton go into tonight’s game against Middlesbrough probably playing for something approaching a modicum of pride now, eight points from safety with six games to go.
One glimmer of hope tonight may be the opponent. Middlesbrough fans have no right to be as unhappy as us, but understandably morale is low there after six successive defeats have seen them slip out of the playoff spots. But you know what happens when a team turns up here needing a result…
🎥 On camera. Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson spoke to https://t.co/oVVl0dtnLo, previewing tomorrow evening's @SkyBetChamp clash against @Boro.
👉🏻 https://t.co/TYG7kR4eML#BWFC 🐘🏰
— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) April 8, 2019
Team news
Gary O’Neil will be assessed having being ill. while Yanic Wildschut and Luke Murphy remain sidelined. Erhun Oztumer may actually have a shout at starting. George Friend is doubtful for Boro, while Lewis Wing will be unavailable.
Stats and facts
Bolton are looking to avoid an eighth straight loss to Middlesbrough. The last point came in August 2014, while the last win came in April 2013, in the days where we were at the right end of the Championship table.
Tony Pulis manages a game at our ground for the first time since we beat Stoke 5-0 in 2011.
Bolton have led a game for the fewest minutes of all Championship sides this season, while we have lost 11 league games in 2019, the joint-worst record (with QPR)
Bolton could be relegated on Saturday if they fail to win either of their next two games and results go horrendously against us. That would still be a game later than in 2015-16, when funnily enough relegation was confirmed at Derby.
Prediction
A draw which helps neither side. 1-1