Two teams desperately battling for safety meet at the Reebok Stadium with Bolton knowing they need a win to cut the gap between themselves and Wolves.
Wanderers have had a truly awful first half of the season and sit four points away from safety after losing to Newcastle on Boxing Day. Boss Owen Coyle has been given the whole of January to turn things around at the Reebok Stadium and he’ll be keen for his side to kick start their survival bid against fellows strugglers Wolves. The imminent sale of defender Gary Cahill won’t help Bolton’s cause with the England man set to become a Chelsea player in the New Year. However the rumoured £8 million fee will give Coyle some room to manoeuvre in the transfer market and bolster a squad crippled by injuries to key players. Bringing in a defender to replace Cahill and a striker who will supply a regular source of goals is sure to be top of his list. Summer signing David N’Gog has failed to do just that since his move from Liverpool and Coyle will be hoping his side can start 2012 on a winning platform.
It will be difficult against a Wolves side who held Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day. Mick McCarthy was delighted by his sides resilient display in North London as they gained a valuable point in their battle to avoid relegation. Wolves have endured another poor season slipping back towards the bottom three after stringing together a number of positive results in the opening weeks of the campaign. Two wins in 16 games since the end of August put them on a steep descent towards trouble although their performance against the Gunners will have provided a huge confidence boost heading into this game. With Steven Fletcher back in the goalscoring groove and Matt Jarvis returning to the form that won him an England call up McCarthy will be optimistic that his side can triumph over Bolton.
Bolton Wanderers 19th : 12 points
Team news: Gretar Steinsson could return from illness to face Wolves leaving seven other first team players in the treatment room.
Key Player: Mark Davies
Since returning to the starting eleven in the last month or so Davies has been a shining light for Bolton putting in some enterprising performances in midfield. He’ll be a big player for the Trotters in 2012 as they battle to beat the drop.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 16th : 16 points
Team news: Nenad Milijas is suspended after being sent off against Arsenal although David Edwards could return from a groin injury to replace him.
Key Player: Wayne Hennessey
The Welsh international was unbeatable against Arsenal on Boxing Day pulling off five or six unbelievable saves to ensure his side travelled home with a vital point. Hennessey has improved remarkably this season and will be expected to maintain his impressive form in 2012.
PREDICTION
Bolton just can’t seem to win home or away this season and will be further debilitated by the loss of Gary Cahill. Wolves have the means to win this game with Steven Fletcher banging in the goals up front and they should move clear of the bottom three after this one.
Score: 1-2
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