Next up for the Wanderers is a trip to The Riverside. Having drawn 0-0 and lost 0-1 to Derby County in the league and Burton Albion in the cup respectively, Bolton will be hoping to register their first goal of the season. In their way though, a very strong looking Middlesborough who have strengthened well under manager Aitor Karanka. Signings this summer include the likes of Stewart Downing, David Nugent and Tomas Kalas from Premier League teams and as a result are favourites to make a return to the Premier League.
I don’t think we can be too disappointed with what we’ve seen so far- gaining a point at home to Derby was a solid start and a worth reward for a good display while losing to Burton Albion was very unfortunate, we did have the lion’s share of possession and chances. However, the fact still remains that we’re yet to score a goal this season and although Gary Madine impressed with his finishing over the summer, he really does need to bag his first Bolton goal so he can start to kick on.
Vital Quotes:
‘I expect tough game because Bolton have their manager’s character, he’s a good manager with good experience and knows the league.vThey have good players, are organised, aggressive in the right way and will be difficult.’- Aitor Karanka on Neil Lennon’s Bolton.
Middlesborough are a different animal altogether (from Burton). They are one of the favourites for promotion. We’ll have to be resolute and disciplined. I saw (them) on Sunday. They have some good players and have signed well. It’ll be difficult but we’re looking forward to it.’- said Neil Lennon in desperate need of some LemSip.
Middlesborough Team News:
New 4 million signing David Nugent is ready to play on Saturday, while winger Mustapha Carayol has been listed for loan and will not feature (this could be a move for Lennon to have a look at)
Player to watch: Stewart Downing
England international Downing made his big money return to ‘Boro this summer and is likely to cause a lot of damage to any defence in this league, let along one made up of four players with a combined total of two seasons of Bolton football. Given the absence of stead figure Tim Ream this could be a difficult day for the Wanderers’ defence.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Darren Pratley is out for some weeks with his ligament injury. Liam Trotter’s picked up another hamstring strain. Jay Spearing and Prince-Desir Gouano will be returning from suspension and injury respectively. Long term absentees Derik, Clayton and Wheater still remain unfit.
Player to watch: Gary Madine
Madine needs a goal having hit the crossbar several times in the last two games- he’s played well but has lacked that bit of composure (and luck!) so far, required to score goals.
Match Facts & Stats
We’ve won 41; drawn 31 and lost 51
Match Prediction:
It will be a very very tricky encounter but I’m feeling unreasonably optimistic. 2-0 Bolton!
Next Fixtures:
Up next will be category ‘D’ fixture, Bolton vs Nottingham Forest managed by Mr Douglas.