Whoa whoa, calm down people and put things into perspective, will you? Oh, you are calm and you have got things in perspective? Sorry about that, I`m treating you like last years frenzied followers. Someone`s just informed me you`re expectations for the season are mid-to-low level. OK, that`s healthy. You`ll either be unperturbed by our failure or euphoric at our success. Now we`re all in a Zen-like state, I`ll continue with the report?
Chosen for Sky Sports Live- in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Football League- Bolton travel to Turf Moor tomorrow for a midday kick-off.
Four preseason games have been played by the new-look Wanderers in preparation for the big day, without a win to show. Not ideal you would say and you`d be justified to say it. But preseason isn`t about winning or peaking too soon, it`s about fitness. Oh, it`s also for putting fringe and homesick players in the shop window to raise much needed funds.
The result of which means, the man who scored 3 of the 4 preseason goals has gone to Charlton. To some, the move seems nonsensical. But imagine this scenario? Bolton has a near-30 goal a season striker on its books and sells him 2 days before the game with Burnley. Imagine what that would do for our confidence on and off the pitch? Obviously, not a problem for the Wanderers lately- our strikers couldn`t muster 30 goals between them last term. But the Clarets have just let Charlie Austin leave for QPR. Phew, he won`t be running the channels with the success he had last year, in tomorrow`s game? He`ll be doing it shortly when QPR visit the Reebok on 24th August.
It`s not just Whites` fans who have curbed their enthusiasm. Burnley supporters won`t be frothing at the mouths and rattling their cages tomorrow because Owen Coyle`s shorts won`t be gracing the dugout. There is definitely a calmer feel to tomorrow`s opener compared to last year, but as soon as Clattenburg blows that whistle?
Burnley Team News:
Apparently, Michael Duff could be in contention to make a return on Saturday after being sidelined with a niggling injury. Ben Mee who has a twisted knee looks doubtful.
Two players who will definitely not feature are George Porter and Marvin Bartley. Porter agreed a loan move to AFC Wimbledon and Bartley missed all preseason with a hamstring injury.
Player to watch: Sam Vokes
Austin`s departure to QPR will give Vokes the opportunity to show his worth. Without featuring much in preseason, Vokes` impact on the Burnley team is a mystery to both sets of supporters.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
You’re guess at the starting 11 is as good as mine. Here’s our team in summary and what I think I know for sure… The back four, including ‘keeper, look set. Tierney, Knight, Wheater, Baptiste and Bogdan will start. Holden’s injury, although devastating, wouldn’t have influenced Saturday’s team. Medo looks a lock, but who accompanies him in midfield is open for debate. If Dougie feels adventurous we may start 2 up-top, sacrificing a midfield spot. If we go 1 up-top, presumably Beckford, then Eagles, Hall and Chungy may get the green light. The starting lineup is as intriguing as the game… To me anyway.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
If he starts, he’s either going to set the division alight, or have fans asking, is Beckford on the pitch? Boom or bust personified.
Ref Watch:
Clattenburg… Nuff said.
Match Prediction:
A very different feel to last year should bring a very different result. If not ‘score result’ then performance from the Whites’ at least. A draw would do me, but let’s get jiggy with it… 0-2 for the away team.
Next Fixtures:
After the league cup at Shrewsbury it’s Reading at the Reebok on the 10th. Tough start continues…