Lots has been written, discussed and argued regarding how the Wanderers have started the 2013/14 Championship season. The conversations will continue, but the truth is, it`s still too early to tell. Too early, plus, this league waits for no-one and while these discussions persist amongst supporters, another league game hones into view.
I`m sure the players aren`t musing about how they are doing- even though they hold all the answers- but I`m sure they`re licking their lips to get their first 3-points away to one of the league favourites.
We know as Whites followers, Bolton play better when they are the underdogs and heading to The City Ground tomorrow, bookies favour the home team… just. We didn`t embody the title of ‘second favourites` much last season and opposing teams revelled in shoving our Premiership reputation down our throats. This term- outside the Bolton bubble at least- the pressure is off the Whites to win every game. We should at least start seeing more freedom in our play away from home.
Forest have spent big this summer, but with big money comes pressure and expectation. Let`s hope the Wanderers can do some revelling of their own, by stealing 3-points from the rich to add to their poor away record?
Vital Quotes:
‘I didn`t make these rules up but I`m scratching my head to see what they are actually for because people like Nottingham Forest and QPR are going out and spending £2-3m at a time. It`s a state when you are trying to put your own house in order but that`s the only thing I can do.’ Dougie’s frustration at Forest side-stepping FFP rules.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Nottingham Forest have no fresh injury problems and could be unchanged against the Whites at the City Ground.
Simon Cox is still out with ankle ligament damage so Darius Henderson, who scored the injury-time winner at Blackburn last weekend, is likely to start again up front.
Player to watch: Henri Lansbury
I know he’s not the obvious choice for a dangerman, but Lansbury’s quiet season to date could be an omen for the Wanderers. The skilful midfielder is still only 22, but with his apprenticeship with the Gunners now over, he’s still out to prove he has what it takes. Great on the ball and only getting better…
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Chris Eagles, even though out of his protective boot, is still a major doubt. This maybe a Dougie tactic to keep Billy Davies guessing but Dougie doesn’t like risking anything. Andre Moritz is still weeks away from a first-team nod, so we may, MAY see Rob Hall get a well deserved start…but doubt it.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
Is this the game he stamps his mark on the season? The team have been working around the Jamaican international this week, to get in-synch with his movement. Who knows, he may get some telling shots away at the Forest goal after the training session… It would be a step in the right direction at least.
Match Facts & Stats
The Wanderers have struggled away to Forest, history tells us. The last time they won there was in the 00/01 season. Forest have won 23 games at home against the Whites… Bolton have won just 7! Ouch…
Match Prediction:
Obviously, this is another tough’un. At the risk of upsetting or boring readers, I’m going with another 1-1. Trust me, it’s a good result.
Next Fixtures:
Next game is QPR at home, when I think we’ll double our points total in one foul swoop…