Bolton take on Middlebrough at the Reebok on Saturday, in a game that could be pivotal. A win for the Whites and they`ll have some breathing space in the relegation battle. A loss, and the effects on morale will be devastating.
It`s almost a mirror image of the situation at the end of last season. Then it was Bolton who looked dead and buried and ‘Boro who were edging their way to safety. Now the Smoggies have it all to do if they are to preserve their top flight status.
Vital Quotes:
‘The last home game against Fulham was awful. You can`t expect the supporters to get behind you with that kind of football.`
Gary Megson utters word that not even his most vehement critics could disagree with.
Bolton Team News:
Bar long term absentees Ricardo Vaz Te, Joey O’Brien and Mark Davies, Megson has a full squad to pick from
Player to watch: Fabrice Muamba
Usually awful, occasionally brilliant, the erratic midfielder needs to reproduce his performance in the reverse fixture, when he ran the show.
Middlesbrough Team News:
Gareth Southgate has no new injury worries. £12 million Brazillain wunder-flop, Afonso Alves is set to return with the ‘Boro manager pledging his team to all out attack.
Player to watch: Tuncay Sanli
Instrumental in ‘Boro’s climb to safety last year, the Turkish striker is always a threat.
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton haven’t beaten Middlebrough at home since 2003. The games since then, all draws, have been dire. Can we have some excitement please?
Ref Watch:
Alan Wiley. Has refereed these two sides before, most notably at the Riverside when ‘Boro won 5-1 and El Hadji Diouf was sent off.
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea (A) – Easy.