For the first time since 1992 Bolton will play in the first round of the FA Cup this weekend and we’re playing a Sacha Baron Cohen film.
Bolton come into the game in red hot form and their first half performance last weekend was as good as anything all season.
Phil Parkinson is a bit of a Cup specialist too, taking Bradford to a League Cup final in 2013, as well as knocking out Chelsea at Stamford Bridge two seasons ago.
Grimsby are in a state of flux at the moment. Promoted back to the Football League last season after being absentees since 2010, they have started well in League Two, but recently lost boss Paul Hirst to Shrewsbury. While they are close to appointing a new boss, they’ll be under caretaker charge tomorrow.
Vital Quotes:
‘I’m sure it will be an old fashioned Cup tie. We want to keep our recent run going. Players who come into the team are looking to keep their place in the side. There weill be opportunities.’
Phil Parkinson in his chat with Marc Iles, sorry, press conference.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Jay Spearing will be out for a few weeks with a groin problem. The loan players all need permission to play in this tie as well.
Derik is also an injury doubt, and Josh Vela is suspended. With the lack of midfield options, we could see Jack Earing or Alex Perry.
Player to watch: Liam Trotter
With the midfield injuries and suspensions Liam Trotter is almost a certainty to start, and he also played for Grimsby once upon a time.
Grimsby Town Team News:
Ashley Chambers is could be fit, but he certainly won’t start and would be on the bench at best.
Ben Davies won’t be involved as he recovers from a calf problem.
Player to watch: Omar Bogle
A profilfic scorer in non-league with Solihull Moors and Grimsby, Bogle has taken to League Two like a duck to water, with nine goals in 11 league games. He’s physical and has a bit of trickery in the locker too.
Match Facts & Stats
We last met in the Cup in 2000, when we won 2-0 at Blundell Park in Round Four.
The last meeting at the Macron was a Championship game in February 2001, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Bolton have never lost an FA Cup tie to Grimsby. (W3 D2)
Grimsby have won three, drawn three and lost two away games this season, compared to four losses at home.
Match Prediction:
2-0 to Bolton.
Next Fixtures:
AWay to Cheltenham in the Sherpa Vans Trophy on Tuesday, then a trip to Peterborough for a televised league game next Sunday.