Bolton are aiming to make it six clean sheets in a row as they host Port Vale tomorrow. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a chance for Wanderers to potentially go level on points with Scunthorpe at the top of League One.
Vale won’t be pushovers though. They are seventh and if they did beat us, they would go within three points of us.
I thought the side from Burslem would do well this season. They appointed Portuguese boss Bruno Ribeiro and went on to sign a number of players who had played top flight football in Portugal and the Netherlands, and seemed to have settled well.
Vital Quotes:
“They have a lot of unknown quantities within the team and have signed a lot of players from abroad because the manager has a good knowledge of that market.
“We`ve probably had to do more homework than normal over the last few days because some of them were very unfamiliar to us.
“They might have had an indifferent run recently but they have been near the top of the league for most of the season, so they can`t be too bad.”
Phil Parkinson’s thoughts on Port Vale, speaking to the Bolton News
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Jay Spearing was a bit of a concern after hurting his hip late on in Monday night’s win, but he should be okay to start, and it would be a surprise to see a changed team.
No new injuries. Plus, if they were injured, they’re still injured
Player to watch: Zach Clough
After a slow start to the season, it’s now four goals in three games for Clough and hopefully he can kick on and possibly become that key goalscorer we’ve cried out for.
Port Vale Team News:
Ex Burnley man Martin Paterson could return, but Sam Foley, Anton Forrester and Adam Yates are all out.
Player to watch: Jerome Thomas
While Vale have made signings from across Europe this summer, one closer to home could be the key. Thomas has played for Charlton, Portsmouth, West Brom and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and offers both industry and creativity.
Match Facts & Stats
Port Vale haven’t beaten us since a 2-1 FA Cup second round win at Burnden Park in 1988.
Our last meeting was in a Division 1 (now Championship) game at the Reebok in March 2000. Eidur Gudjohnsen and Allan Johnston scored in a 2-1 win.
Match Prediction:
I have a horrible feeling, having done so well, we’ll be given a bloody nose tomorrow. 2-1 away win.
Next Fixtures:
We’re home to Grimsby in the FA Cup next Saturday, then three days later we travel to Cheltenham in our final Trophy group game.