Bolton sit fourth in the league currently, with a very respectable 11 points – only losing one game out of six. Bolton are only one win from being joint second.
This weekend is going to be intense. Bolton have a great variety of players - that play for each other, and work extremely well as a unit. Bolton play good, tactical football, and are very difficult to break down. Allardyce’s men are solid defensively…and with the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and Henrik Pedersen their offensive play at times is sublime.
Blues are without the services of last season’s top scorer, Mikael Forssell, but with the return of Savage, Dunn and the sound performance of Anderton midweek we have a stronger squad. This weekend could see the return of Stan the man, which will give us a stronger left wing and defence. But all the team is yet to be confirmed.
We’re a bit of a bogey team as far as Bolton are concerned…with the Blues just one of four teams to do the double over Bolton last season. Our 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium back in October 2003 ended a remarkable unbeaten home record for the Trotters, which had stretched over an impressive eight months.
Both teams will go into this evening game full of confidence, after both teams comfortably beat their opponents in the Carling Cup.
IF blues can play for each other, and work in a defensive formation (NOT defending deeply where it can be helped) we could see Blues get something from this game, but with Bolton flying high it is a fact Blues will have to play to the best of their ability to even get a draw.
Bruce WILL NOT go into this game afraid, and putting players out with the intention of only defending well for ninety minutes…to maybe be in with a chance of a point. Bruce will be looking for that most wanted first away win, therefore we can expect to find the defensive 4-4-2 will be played.
If we can catch Bolton on one of their ‘off’ days, and we can manage to be on top of our game…there is no doubt in my mind that we can win, it certainly isn’t ruled out that Blues will lose!
With a bit of team spirit, and charisma Blues have the foundations to be a massive club. One thing we (as fans) need to bare in mind is we have several players that are still adjusting to the way we play, and we need to respect that and be patient.
It will be really difficult, not only because we’re playing a good side, but also because we’re away from home… Blues will be so hungry to win, and kicks start their campaign…
therefore this week I feel it will be a hard fought draw (2-2)
E-Mail Leigh direct at: bcfcleigh@aol.com