A late afternoon to all you Vital Bolton readers. Let`s keep this brief, with the game only a couple of hours away. We probably should`ve wrapped this up in the first game, but after a spirited fightback, the Mackems look like favourites for the replay down their way.
Vital Quotes:
Douglas revealed in his press conference that he intends to have both Holden and Vela in the squad. Exciting!!!
He told the club website: “Josh and Stuart will be involved tomorrow night. I don`t know if they`ll play but they`ll be in the squad. I think the two have proved their fitness in the last three or four weeks. It`s very difficult for Stuart in particular. We`ve got to be very careful. With Josh it`s a little bit easier as he`s only had three or four months out. They`re two good players to have around the squad again.”
I expect that they both will be on the bench, and will play very minor roles. A late substitute appearance if the game is already lost is probably all we could really hope for Stu. I`d be very surprised if he started. Not that I wouldn`t be giddy like a schoolgirl over the latest Smash Hits magazine. That`s still a thing, right?
Sunderland Team News:
Sunderland`s new signing, Alfred N’Diaye, is ineligible for the match because he wasn`t registered by the club before the initial cup tie. I wasn`t aware that was a rule, and am surprised that something that appears so archaic is still around. Anyway, good for us. Rose and Cuellar are also out with hamstrings suffered when playing in the 2-2 draw against us.
Player to watch: Titus Bramble
I hope you realise why I think Titus is so key. He is truly a shocking defender, and despite a couple of solid years at Wigan, I cannot see why the calamity-happy stopper is still plying his trade in the top division. He makes Zat Knight on a bad day look like Carlos Puyol. If he plays, we`ve got a much better chance of nicking it, especially if he can make mistakes like he did in the first match.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
As mentioned above, Holden and Vela in. Wheater is still a bit far behind, and hasn`t made an appearance for the reserves yet, despite being back to full first team training. Oh, and the rule I mentioned earlier? It stops Craig Davies playing.
Player to watch: Marvin Sordell
He was my key man at the weekend and is my key man today. He didn`t get too long against Millwall, but he performed well enough in my eyes to give him a run out from the start. I`m hoping this Twitter ban has been partnered with a metaphorical clip round the head. He appears, at least, to be giving his all when he gets onto the pitch, and that`s all we can really hope for.
Match Facts & Stats
Sunderland have got past us five out of the six times we`ve been drawn against them in the cup. Lets change that, ok?
Match Prediction:
If they put out a full side; we`re out. If they decide to rest a few; we have a chance. I expect us to play a full team, and make a good go of it.
Next Fixtures:
Palace away this weekend, before Peterborough visit the Reebok the week after. COYWM!!!