Wigan Athletic visit the Reebok on Sunday.
Comment
It’s a bit early in the season for relegation six-pointers, but this clash meets that description. A win for Bolton will put them five points clear of the swamp dwellers from up the road. A defeat and they’re back in the bottom three. Beating Man Utd and Red Star Belgrade is all very well, but if the Whites can’t do that to the teams around them (and they haven’t so far) then the future is grim.
Bolton Team News:
Joey O’Brien is still troubled with a hamstring injury. All other first team regulars are expected to be available.
Player to watch: Nicolas Anelka
Could weigh in with a goal or two before his £15 million move to Chelsea. Or is it a £12 million move to Man Utd? Or a £10 million + Darius Vassel (please no) move to Man City? Consult the tabloid story of your choice.
Wigan Team News:
Mario Melchiot is suspended. Emile Heskey is expected to play, much to the delight of our counterparts on Vital Wigan. ‘…when the big man plays the whole team gets a lift just by his shear presence on the pitch,’ they write breathlessly. Presumably they mean ‘sheer presence’, unless Heskey’s been recruited for grass cutting duties before the game.
Player to watch: Titus Bramble
Can football’s favourite zany comedy defender repeat his feat from last week and give away a goal in less than a minute? We do hope so.
Match Facts & Stats
The sides have met 28 times, mainly in lower league games and obscure cup competitions. Wigan have 12 wins to Bolton’s 11. Wigganers are very proud of this and try to work the fact into every conversation. Bless.
Next Fixtures:
Man City (A)
Brum (H)