We’re back!
Bolton kick off life in League One with what is undoubtedly the game of the weekend in this division, as we host Sheffield United. Both teams should be there or thereabouts at the end of the season when it comes to a promotion push and it’s an early chance for one of these teams to strike a blow.
Vital Quotes:
‘We’ve got loads of fans. What a massive club we are. We’re going to win the league and the Olympics and the Super Bowl. Justice for Tevez.’
Some Blades fans.
‘The gaffer is looking for things to take off again and to put pride back in the shirt.’
Chris Taylor. Son, just put crosses in the box and we’ll take it from there.
Bolton Team News:
A big call whether Mark Howard ousts Ben Amos and faces his former club, or whether last season’s number one keeps his place.
Expect Mark Beevers and David Wheater to be the centre back partnership, with starts for other new boys Chris Taylor and Jamie Proctor.
Injury updates to appear here
Player to watch: Mark Beevers
Let’s pick a new signing – we were awful at the back last season so a lot of attention will be on this man. He knows this division, has a promotion from it, and nearly added one last season.
Sheff Utd Team News:
If you read our Scouting report yesterday, you’d know the prediction is Long in goal, John Brayford, Wilson, Jack O’Connell and Chris Hussey in a back four, Duffy and Matt Done on the flanks, ex-Wanderer Chris Basham partnering John Fleck in the centre of the park, with Billy Sharp and Marc McNulty up front.
Leon Clarke could play up front in place of McNulty.
Player to watch: John Fleck
As we learnt yesterday, this man will be at the centre of most Blades attacks. A small but tenacious central midfielder, he has previously played for Coventry and Rangers and is the son of formers Gers man Robert Fleck.
Match Facts & Stats
Our last opening day win was the 4-0 win at QPR in 2011.
Our last opening day home win was the 3-1 victory over Stoke in 2008.
Our last meeting with Sheffield United was in the FA Cup fourth round in 2010. Johan Elmander and Gretar Steinsson both scored in the second half to secure a 2-0 win.
Match Prediction:
This is a game that could go either way. Two clubs who should do well, two big clubs. I expect us to cancel each other out. 1-1
Next Fixtures:
We go to Blackpool for a League Cup first round tie on Tuesday, then travel down to Wimbledon for our first away league game next Saturday