What a difference a couple of games make. Back to back victories at the Reebok have made the late push for a play offs not as impossible, but certainly not an easy feat. After the Peterborough game gave us our first back to back wins in a year, you can sense a wave of optimism felt from the fans that hasn`t been there for large majorities of the season.
The Barnsley game will be a very tough game, giving our away form and the fact that Barnsley have been in scintillating form; only losing one of their last 10 games, winning eight in the process. Also it is the return of Craig Davies to the ground where he made his name in this division, and which ultimately got him a move to the Wanderers.
Vital Quotes:
Craig Davies spoke to the club`s official website about his upcoming visit to his former stamping ground:
“It`s going to be a tough game at Oakwell – I know all about them,” Davies said. “They never make it easy when you go there, but hopefully we can get a good result.
“It`s going to be nice going back – I`ve still got friends there, I speak to a few of the players who are still there as well as the manager every now and then.”
Also Chung-Yong Lee has been speaking to the site about playing on the left flank with Marcos Alonso and his opinion on whether we can make the play offs:
“I used to play on the right but now I play on the left – it is not difficult for me to do, it is just the same job”
“I am happy playing with Marcos – he has good technique and is powerful physically, so we have a good understanding of each other.”
“This was a big win, especially after Saturday. We had good confidence before this game – we need to keep going and keep a winning mentality. I felt we would not lose or draw in this game, only win. We are now tenth and there is a seven point gap to the play-offs. It won`t be easy, but we can do it.”
Barnsley Team News:
Chris Eagles will be fighting to regain a place in the side after missing the Peterborough game with illness. Mark Davies is now out for TEN months.
Player to watch: Craig Dawson
The loanee from West Brom has been a sensation since arriving at the Reebok. We are unbeaten in the games he has played in, and he has brought confidence in Zat Knight and Adam Bogdan. He also has an incredible eye for goal, scoring 3 goals in 5 games.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
The Tykes will have a near enough full strength team to pick from, with strikers Jason Scotland and Chris Dagnall on form for the team stuck in a relegation battle.
Player to watch: Jason Scotland
The former Wigan, Swansea and Ipswich man has been vital for David Flitcroft`s side since moving to Oakwell in January; scoring 4 in 5 games, mainly off the subs bench.
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton could win 3 in a row for the first time this season and record a first league away win since Blackburn in November.
Match Prediction:
2-1 to Wanderers: Dawson and Ngog for the Trotters. Dagnall for them.
Next Fixtures:
Two big games against play-off contenders at the Reebok. Blackburn then Brighton.