New era, fresh start, same old, reign of terror. Call it what you want but finally, tomorrow’s game will be the first to be played under Sports Shield’s ownership.
Bolton play Preston at the Macron on Saturday for the first time in that long that Zach Clough and Rob Holding would have not long being toilet trained last time they did visit.
Our most recent meeting was just the five months ago, where we played out a bore draw in front of the Sky cameras. Since then, we’ve carried on being rubbish, while Preston have got used to life back in the Championship and sit 10th ahead of the match. In fact they will still harbour an outside hope of making the playiffs in this division for the first time since 2009.
PNE are also expected to bring over 4,000 travelling fans, on what is Gentry Day, where they all wear smart hats. Me neither.
Vital Quotes:
‘It’s important now for us to get the embargo lifted as it would help. That aside though, we’re playing well at the moment.’
Neil Lennon in his press conference this morning. Not playing Feeney and Clough up top could work too.
‘Whatever team we put out, whatever system we play, whichever personnel is in the side, whether we have a full 18 or 17, we will go there trying to get back to winning ways. We want to be hard to beat, pass the ball around and ultimately try and get another three points.’
The criminally underrated Simon Grayson speaking to PNE’s official site
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Neil Lennon has confirmed Josh Vela will be back in the squad after whatever happened to him on Tuesday. Likewise will be Wellington Silva. Kaiyne Woolery hopefully has recovered from illness, anyone else who was injured still is.
Player to watch: Wellington Silva
I hate doing these to be honest. A very brief but effective cameo against Ipswich, winning the penalty to level it. I would hope he starts tomorrow. Yes he can frustrate but adds a bit of unpredictability and flair to the side.
Preston North End Team News:
Joe Garner is suspended after being booked for the 10th time this season in midweek. Paul Gallagher will be involved after delaying the hernia operation he needs. Alan Browne and Oh My God, Neil Kilkenny will be assessed.
No return for Jermaine Beckford, who has been out all season with an injury.
Player to watch: Jordan Hugill
One of the men who could replaced the banned Garner. Hugill is a strong, young forward, but has failed to find the net this season, despite regular appearances off the bench
Match Facts & Stats
This is the first time Preston have visited the Macron/Reebok since August 2000. Dean Holdsworth played that day, but Isaiah Rankin and Michael Ricketts scored the goals in a 2-0 win.
Match Prediction:
Hopefully a brief glimpse of hope and a bounce with the takeover and all that. 1-0 win for Bolton
Next Fixtures:
Bolton travel to Bristol City next weekend, when Preston host QPR