So it`s now only seventeen days to wait until the start of the nPower Championship season, and the next step towards our preparation for the trip to Burnley is a little journey north to Morecambe.
Seventeen days doesn`t sound like much, does it? My natural instinct to want us to destroy every team we play is still somewhat under control by the rationale that these are only pre-season games; but by the time we entertain Barca B at the Reebok, I`m certain I`ll be shouting for heads if we don`t manage to tiki-taki our way to a 5-0 thrashing of the Catalans.
Tonight though, despite what`s gone on already, and the injury mini-crisis we are already suffering, should be an improvement. I`m confident that this is where the season really begins.
Vital Quotes:
SKD has told the official website about the opportunity that pre-season provides for some of our kids. He said, ‘As young players they have got such an opportunity. Let’s hope they take it. There are five or six that are in and amongst it now and the Gaffer has given them that opportunity. They have earned it and are in with a chance`. Can`t disagree with him. I would love to see Vela, O`Halloran, Eaves et al fight for a place this year, and potentially dislodge some of the more established players (Pratley, please!!) in their search for minutes.
Morecambe Team News:
The Morecambe FC official website haven`t even bothered to do a match preview for tonight, so I don`t know much about who is who, or who is fit.
Player to watch: The Pies
I`ve heard their pies are to die for.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
So N`Gog is back and may get a few minutes, but Eagles, Ream, Knight and Lee are set to have a break. I`m happy about Lee being rested; he looks to be playing well in spite of the rest of the squad`s performances, and his body probably requires more rest as he makes the final steps towards recovery from his awful injury.
Player to watch: Josh Vela
I`m hoping young Josh is going to get a game tonight. I`m very excited about his potential, and I think that nights like this could be invaluable when we`re half way through the season and in need of something in the middle of the park. If Vela continues to impress in pre-season, then why not give him a chance in games that matter?
Match Facts & Stats
We have never played Morecambe competitively. We were going to be opening the Globe Arena a couple years ago, however the building wasn`t ready yet.
Match Prediction:
10-0, TO THE WANDERERS……
Next Fixtures:
Pompey, on Saturday. I hope. Poor things.