After another game unbeaten, we`re back at the Macron tomorrow night as we host Reading under the lights. This is the start of a potentially fruitful run of home games. Next month Barnsley and Burton Albion both pay visits, and tomorrow`s opponents have been disappointing. Jaap Stam`s Royals were considered among the leading promotion contenders but have been underwhelming – a win tomorrow could not only take us out of the bottom three, but we`d just be three points behind Reading,
Vital Quotes:
“Our home form has improved in recent weeks and we need to take this into the next game. Momentum is good with the six-game unbeaten run. We go into another busy period and we know we have to be at our very best, but that`s the nature of the division.”
Phil Parkinson speaking on iFollow.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Bolton could have a few problems in defence. Mark Beevers is suspended which means a start for either Dorian Dervite or Reece Burke, while Mark Little and Antonee Robinson are both injury doubts. This could be particularly a problem at left-back with Andy Taylor still recovering from an injury. Adam Le Fondre however, should be fit to return to the squad.
Player to watch: Adam Le Fondre
While Le Fondre is unlikely to start, his return from injury will be welcome news for Wanderers fans. With the current system largely working it`s hard to argue for his inclusion, but certainly it would be good to see him being introduced earlier into a game if needed. If he only plays 10 or 15 minutes per game, he can`t score many. A 90th minute winner against the club he played Premier League football for in 2012/13 would be nice.
Reading Team News:
Joey van den Berg is suspended, but the visitors might have a triple boost, with Liam Kelly, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Yann Kermorgant (who always seems to do okay against us) could all be available after injuries.
Player to watch: Sone Aluko
The forward signed from Fulham for an undiscosed fee over the summer. He`ll probably pop up on the right, and has scored a couple of goals and set three up so far this season. He`ll be an all-round attacking threat
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton lost the last time they entertained Reading, back in April 2016. But the Berkshire lot have never won twice on the bounce at our place in the league.
Bolton`s six game unbeaten run is currently the longest in the Championship. Bristol City did go 10 unbeaten but have since tasted defeat.
Reading have scored all of their goals from inside the area, the only team in the Championship to do so.
Match Prediction:
I do worry about the back four if Beevers, Robinson and Little are all out. It could mean some shuffling about, and while Reading have had a poor season, they`ve got enough to be a threat on any given day or night. Obviously, I hope I`m wrong. A 2-1 defeat.
Next Fixtures:
A trip to Wolves on Saturday, before hosting Barnsley the following weekend.