Bolton have had a short New Year break but are back to it this weekend, and it’s a big one for Keith Hill as he goes back to his former club Rochdale.
Of course he has already been back, as we’ve already been to Spotland twice this season. Phil Parkinson was in charge for the League Cup defeat, but Hill took charge of October’s EFL Trophy draw.
The Wanderers team that steps out tomorrow will be much changed from the Burton defeat after a number of comings and goings. At the back, Jake Wright and Josh Earl are no longer with us, Toto Nsiaia’s signing today allows him to come in, with one of Yoan Zouma, Harry Brockbank or Liam Edwards. Adam Chicksen is just about in contract so he can play at left back.
Ethan Hamilton will probably go straight into midfield after signing on Monday, owing to suspensions for Luke Murphy and Jason Lowe. Muhammadu Faal may be on the bench, but is unlikely to start ahead of Daryl Murphy.
The game pits together a poor team at home (although they did hold Premier League opposition last Saturday) against a poor away team. Hopefully we can get something from this, although with a lot of changes there could be some problems with cohesion. I’ll go 1-1.