Like all Bolton Wanderers` supporters, I want the Whites to win every game they play in. I even keep an eye on the development squad`s progress and Diddie David`s under-18 antics.
But for the sake of all the travelling fans heading north to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow, I don`t just hope we take away the 3-points. I hope the Wanderers register a goal for every extra pound travelling Bolton fans are spending to watch this mid-table, Championship contest.
Middlesbrough`s new manager, Aitor Karanka will have his first home game in charge against the Whites tomorrow afternoon and according to Dougie Freedman, our players are well up for it.
Predicting Wanderers` away support could be outnumbered 20-1 in a rocking Riverside Stadium, silencing such a buoyant atmosphere may prove difficult. But have no fear- if our players can`t corral the crowd to cage the noise, they will thrive on it!
If the Bolton players can prosper in such a hostile environment and come away from the north-east with the spoils, there`s definitely something happening below the surface of our club we`ve not seen for quite some time.
First things first?
Vital Quotes:
‘I`ve been to Middlesbrough a few times when they haven`t had a lot of people there and it can be difficult.
‘We won`t be intimidated at all. We have a very experienced team that are playing well away from home.
‘We will prepare right as always and hopefully the players will do what they have been doing again.
‘They have been terrific and you have to give them credit for what they have done.
‘We had a real kick in the teeth for a fair few weeks and it has not been easy.
‘But they have worked hard and picked themselves up.
‘I feel now they go away from home and look like they can get a result, where maybe at the beginning of the season we travelled hoping for one.
A confident Dougie talking to the Bolton News
Middlesbrough Team News:
New ‘boro manager, Aitor Karanka will check on the fitness of Seb Hines ahead of his first home game in charge after the centre-back failed to recover from a hamstring injury last time out.
Having made a losing start to his career in England at Elland Road, the Spaniard will be hoping to end a run of three winless games for ‘boro in the Championship.
Shay Given is expected to make his Middlesbrough debut in Saturday’s Championship clash with our boys at the Riverside Stadium.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived from Aston Villa on an emergency loan deal and should start in goal after Jason Steele received a three-match ban following his red card at Leeds last week.
Player to watch: Albert Adomah
Definitely not known for being prolific at his previous clubs, Barnet and Bristol City, Albert Danquah Adomah has scored 7 goals in 14 Championship games this term.
Predominantly a winger, the joint Ghanaian and British passport holder has all the football tricks to compliment his new-found eye for goal.
Middlesbrough have scored in every home league game they’ve played this season and this lad is one of the main reasons for this trend.
Alex and Kevin… You’re up!
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Joe Mason could make his Bolton debut after arriving on loan again this week.
The 22-year-old forward should finally get the chance to pull on his Wanderers’ shirt after originally joining earlier this month only for parent club Cardiff to recall him less than 24 hours later.
Dougie may be reluctant to alter his starting-1I, given the Whites are chasing their fourth away win on the bounce and the Bolton boss has no new injury or suspension concerns to trouble him.
Joe Riley, Mark Davies and Stuart Holden- all knee- miss out again, as does full-back Marc Tierney- foot.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
Go get ‘um, kid!
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton Middlesbrough
Home 35 16 6
Away 16 14 30
Neutral 0 0 2
Total 51 30 38
Match Prediction:
I’ve been correct the last two games because of a ‘feeling’ I had. It’s not there this time, so I’m going 1-1
Next Fixtures:
Back to familiar surroundings on Tuesday evening against Huddersfield.
Remain seated for Saturday’s visit of Doncaster.