We decided to hold fire with this preview until results elsewhere came through. And they didn`t go our way, so as we travel to Oldham for a Saturday dinner time game, the gap has closed to just four points. On the positive side, if we win, beating Bury on Tuesday would send us back to the Championship, and if Bradford and Fleetwood lost before then, we wouldn`t even need that.
It bodes to be another tricky, awkward game though. Oldham have seen off some big teams at home, but we haven`t done too badly when faced with similar situations. A lot depends on whether Gary Madine will have recovered sufficiently, but there a few injury problems apparently.
Vital Quotes:
“Going into last week and games against Scunthorpe and Southend and come out of it with the same lead was great for us. That was a tough week at this stage of the season.”
Phil Parkinson in the Bolton News.
Oldham Athletic Team News:
Aaron Holloway picked up a knock last weekend, and Oldham are hoping he won`t have to miss out.
Player to watch: Olllie Banks
Banks has played well since former Wanderer John Sheridan returned as manager, and will be a threat from midfield.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Gary Madine, Andy Taylor, Darren Pratley and Dorian Dervite are all injury concerns ahead of the game, Madine and Taylor are reportedly near to fitness but Tuesday would be a likelier date.
Player to watch: Josh Vela
Would like him to step up his level, he hasn`t played badly in recent weeks, but other players have been taking the limelight, this might be a game where he needs to grab things by the scruff of the neck.
Match Facts & Stats
Oldham are unbeaten at home since January 28, when Bradford ran out 2-1 winners.
Neither teams` top scorers have reached double figures. Lee Erwin has seven for our opponents, while Josh Vela has nine.
Bolton have won four of their last six, Oldham have two.
Match Prediction:
Bolton to etch out a 1-0 win. Hopefully.
Next Fixtures:
Bury at home on Tuesday, a trip to Port Vale next weekend, then our final game at home to Peterborough. Unless we blow it.