On Sky
Bolton begin their quest to be Christmas Number One (a pun you could well hear on a TV or radio outlet in the coming weeks so we’re getting in there first, when Bolton take on Gillingham on a Monday night.
If Bolton win then they go back into second place, and also within a point of Scunthorpe.
Gillingham are quite mid-table, almost equidistant between the playoff places and the drop zone. If we harbour hopes of going up, we need to win these games. And generally, we have been.
Vital Quotes:
“Christmas is a busy period for us and we need to pick up as many points as possible to make sure at the turn of the year we`re in a strong position,” he said.
“That`s when you can really start looking at the table and assessing that we`re aiming for.’
Andy Taylor in the Bolton News.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
There shouldn’t be any changes, Liam Trotter could be available after an injury spell, while Darren Pratley is nearing a Christmas return.
The usual suspects are still crocked.
Player to watch: David Wheater
He went back into the team last Sunday after his injury spell. We conceded two that day, but hopefully he will be at full pelt for this league game as we have a strong defensive record to uphold
Gillingham Team News:
Billy Knott is a possible absentee with a hamstring injury. Frank Nouble and Chris Herd, the latter who played about two games for Wanderers in 2014, should be fit and available.
Player to watch: Jay Emannuel Thomas
Formerly of Ipswich and QPR, and others, JET, which is quicker to type, scored a curling winner for the Rs against us in last season’s 4-3 at Loftus Road. He has more than enough ability for this level.
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton have conceded two goals in their last nine league games
Gillingham have won three away games this season, but have won three of their last four league games.
This is the first meeting since our 2003-04 Worthington Cup run, when we beat them 2-0 in the third round at the Reebok.
Match Prediction:
A standard 1-0 Bolton win. Gillingham have been hard to beat recently. But then again, so have we.
Next Fixtures:
Chesterfield away on Saturday, followed by a Boxing Day home game against Shrewsbury