It has been a superb start to the season but Bolton face their toughest test so far tomorrow when they make their second trip to South London in the space of three weekends.
While four wins from four is not to be sniffed at, going by the league table it’s a step up in opposotion awaiting the Whites as we take on Charlton.
The Addicks are in turmoil off the pitch while their owners try to do everything in their powers to alienate their fanbase, just like they did with the club in Belgium they run? Spotting a trend?
On it though, they’ve started fairly well as expected. Not as well as us, of course, but seven points and fifth place is more than any team we’ve beat so far.
August is probably too early to make bold claims, but a win tomorrow would lay down a real marker to the division.
It’s also a return to the Valley for Phil Parkinson, for the first time since he was sacked as their manager in 2011.
Vital Quotes:
“I think they`ll play 4-4-2 but you can never be too certain. You have always got to be careful. You need to know and anticipate what your opponents are going to do but it needs to be 80 per cent to 20 per cent, and more about yourself.’
Phil Parkinson speaking to the Bolton News about what he expects from the Addicks.
‘I`ve always been a fan of Mark Davies in midfield, Gary Madine is always a handful up front. They`ve got experience in David Wheater at the back, Josh Vela is a player that I like.
“They have got some very good players in key positions that can be an influence, and we are going to have to work very hard to nullify that.”
Russell Slade, who I’ve met and is pretty sound. Hope he loses tomorrow though, naturally.
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Summer signing for Charlton, striker Lee Novak, has a hand injury which has been keeping him out, and he is their one ‘major concern’ going into the weekend.
Patrick Bauer and Harry Lennon both played for the U23 team on Monday, which could lead to them coming back into first team contention tomorrow.
Player to watch: Johnnie Jackson
A man signed by a certain Phil Parkinson. He has since survived two takeovers, a number of managers, has made over 200 appearances and is now the club captain. He can play in midfield, or on the left wing or at left-back, and already has two goals to his name this season.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Ben Amos was loaned out to Cardiff today, so he obviously won’t be on the bench.
Max Clayton will have another operation to find out what on earth is happening with him.
Jamie Proctor could return after being unavailable last weekend.
No news seemingly on whether Zach Clough will be available after he came off last weekend.
Player to watch: Mark Davies
Russell Slade’s first mention of a Bolton player, so he’s likely the one they’ll be paying most attention off. In terms of his ability on the ball, he can be up there with anyone in the division. He did go missing all too often in recent seasons and hopefully that won’t happen again tomorrow.
Match Facts & Stats
Throwing that random friendly in last summer too, the last four meetings between these two clubs have finished in draws.
Bolton’s last win against Charlton came in 2012, when David N’Gog scored twice in a game. What a time to be alive that was.
Match Prediction:
As I’ve mentioned a few times, this is a step up in opposition I feel. I suppose we have played Sheffield United but they’ve had a rancid start. I will go for a 1-1
Next Fixtures:
We play Everton’s kids in the Checktrade Trophy on Tuesday. The next game that anybody will actually attend will be the Southend game at the Macron next Saturday, when we welcome back Phil Brown