Well, 2016. We started without any hope, being battered at home by Huddersfield, flirted with extinction and were hopeless for a long time
But we could end the year top of the league.
It’s a pivotal game we have tomorrow as leaders Scunthorpe come to the Macron. If we can beat them, and Sheffield United slip up, we’ll be top as welcome in 2017.
It’s a massive game, and could go a long way to knowing if we can be in this title race for the long haul.
It’s also a contrast in approaches, as League One’s best defence welcomes the best offence.
Vital Quotes:
“It was vitally important we set ourselves up for this with three points against Shrewsbury, so now this is the kind of match that any player should relish playing in. I`d imagine it`s the kind of match that any Bolton fan would want to watch too. I`m really looking forward to it.”
Parky in the Bolton News
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Jay Spearing came off late on Boxing Day with a groin problem, so could either be replaced by Derik or even a return for Darren Pratley. Most people will hope for the latter.
Player to watch: David Wheater
After his two on Boxing Day and all round good performance, it’ll be a stiff test for Wheater and the rest of the backline against a free scoring opponent
Scunthorpe United Team News:
David Mirfin and Conor Townsend are, we think, Scunthorpe’s only injury problems.
Player to watch: Josh Morris
14 goals in 17 games tells you that he might be a bit dangerous. A cracking bit of summer business from the Iron. Not bad for a midfielder
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton have conceded the fewest league goals (14) while Scunthorpe have scored the most (46)
Bolton are looking for their 10th successive home win in all competitions
This is our first meeting since 2001, when we ran out 5-1 winners in an FA Cup tie
Our last league meeting ended 0-0, back in April 1988
Match Prediction:
I’ll go 1-0 Bolton. Any win will do, even if we play badly. These are the games where we need to get over the line
Next Fixtures:
Coventry away on Monday, then we welcome back Big Sam and Chungy in the FA Cup a week tomorrow.