The Defining Game of the Season?

Bolton face Fulham at the weekend in a game which could determine how the rest of the season is approached. A win for the Wanderers could put them up as high as eighth and may cause the unwise to start dreaming of Europe again. A defeat, and it`s back to relegation worries. Such is the nature of this Premier League campaign.

Gary Megson`s men can`t fail to improve on their performance in the reverse fixture, where they beaten 2-1, a score line that flattered them greatly. It was one of all the too frequent occasions were they have failed miserably to compete. One hopes, for the sake of kindness, that the same fans who travelled to that game didn`t bother with the one at Everton.

Fulham have their own problems though. Three successive home defeats, including two in the league, when they were beaten by late goals, suggests that Roy Hodgson`s team is getting leggy as the end of term approaches.

On the road the Cottagers have a poor record. They are without a win in the league this season and have scored a mere three goals in fourteen games. Combined with Bolton`s lack of firepower (they have failed to score in fourteen matches) that points toward a 0-0 draw, which could make that reduced admission price of £10 look a tad expensive. Lawro`s predicted a home win, which doesn`t bode well either. No, you can`t take your ticket back.

Megson has aimed to use the ten day break after the defeat to rectify his team`s many faults, but one suspects that the poor passing, non-existent movement, lack of defensive concentration and midfield ineptitude will take longer to put right and involve a lot of money and possibly a different management team. Of course he has been referred to as the ‘ginger magician` on occasion, but not by anyone who wasn`t being sarcastic.

The much vaunted Fanzone is open prior to the game and apparently it`s ladies day – the first time this has been tried at the Reebok. So if you don`t fancy the football, get yourself along for a drink or two and you might be able to pick up a natty piece of skirt. Well, there has to be something to look forward to.