Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City,
Championship, University of Bolton Stadium,
Wednesday 22nd August, 8 pm
TV: Sky Sports Football (red button), iFollow (streaming PPV, £10)
Bolton will attempt to continue their excellent start to the season when they host Birmingham City tonight. With seven points already on the board ahead of a home doubleheader this week, it’s a very good chance to build some momentum.
🎥 On camera. Wanderers assistant manager Steve Parkin spoke to https://t.co/oVVl0dtnLo ahead of tomorrow's @SkyBetChamp home fixture against @BCFC.
👉 https://t.co/pSgBivHBsH#BWFC 🐘🏰
— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) August 21, 2018
Team news
Bolton are likely to make a few changes it being a midweek game. There are still doubts of whether we’ll see Sammy Ameobi in action, he may have to wait until at least the weekend. David Davis and Isaac Vassell are out injured for Birmingham, while Craig Gardner is suspended.
Opposition player to watch
Lukas Jutkiewicz – The ex-Wanderers striker will probably line up with Omar Bogle in a front two, and will provide an aerial threat like Josh Magennis will for us. No goals for Juke yet this season, but has played all three league games and has an assist to his name.
Stats
Bolton have drawn one and lost four of their last five games against Birmingham. Their last goal came in Neil Lennon’s first game in charge, at St Andrews in 2014.
Bolton are unbeaten after three league games, which except for the League One season hasn’t happened since the start of the 2010-11 season.
If Bolton concede two or more goals tonight, it will be the fifth successive home game this has happened, and the sixth without a clean sheet.
Prediction
Birmingham have struggled for goals so far, so I’ll be confident and go for a Bolton win. 2-1.
After tonight…
Another home game at the weekend as Sheffield United travel to our place, before we go to Preston a week later.