Match Preview: Bolton vs Liverpool

Posted on 20. Jan, 2012 by Dominic Campbell in Match Reports

Liverpool will travel to the Reebok Stadium in tomorrow’s late kick off as they hope to keep within touching distance of a Champions League spot. Fresh off the back of a bore draw at home to Stoke, The Reds will be looking to capatalise against a defence that has kept only two clean sheets and leaked 48 goals this season.

Overview

Kenny Dalglish will undoubtedly be beginning to feel the strain after his questionable team selection meandered to a boredraw at home to Stoke last week. The failure to once again capitalise on dominance sees the club sit five points off fourth place. And pressure will further mount on the Scot should he fail to return to Anfield with anything less than a win from a relegation bound Bolton.

However, the signs are far from good for Bolton who have lost eight of their ten games at home this season; with Liverpool looking most convincing on away fixtures.

Team News

David Ngog, who is likely to replace Kevin Davies, is set to face his former club for the first time since making his £4m switch to Bolton in the summer.

The Trotters have no new injury worries and have welcomed Jussi Jaaskelainen back to training after the Finn was sidelined with a thigh injury. He, however, is unlikely to start as Bolton continue to play Bogdan between the sticks.

Also likely to miss the game is Jay Spearing, who faces a late fitness test following a hamstring injury picked up in a recent cup game. Liverpool’s back line will receive a welcome boost as Daniel Agger looks to return from a well deserved rest.

Luis Suarez is still serving his ban but will be eager to make his imminent return.

Possible Starting Lineups

Bolton:

Bogdan; Steinsson, Knight, Wheater, Ricketts; Eagles, Petrov, Reo-Coker, M.Davies, Muamba; Ngog

Liverpool:

Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Adam, Gerrard, Henderson, Maxi, Bellamy; Carroll.

Quotes

“Kenny Dalglish is used to winning trophies. “Liverpool will deem it as a long time since their last championship but in that period they have still won trophies, including the Champions League.

“Now they are on the verge of reaching the Carling Cup final, when they would be big favourites given a team from the Championship will be the opposition.

“There is no doubt Liverpool will always be amongst the honours.”

- A wary Owen Coyle talking over Liverpool’s credentials.

Stats

46 – Bolton have conceded 46 goals in the league this season while Liverpool, with the best defensive record in the league, have only conceded 18.

24 – Liverpool have been frustrating in front of goal to say the least; only scoring 24 times. To put it into perspective, Bolton have found the back of the net 25 times and conceded 24 times at home this season.

10 – Liverpool have won the last 10 Premier League games – both home and away – against Bolton.

8 – Liverpool have scored with just 8% of their attempts at goal, a lower proportion than any other team in the top flight

47 – Stewart Downing has fired in more shots without a goal than any other Premier League player this season

Prediction

0 – 3

Looking at the game sensibly, you would be hard pressed to see where Liverpool are going to find their goals. A two goal margin will most likely settle this tie for the visitors, but as a fan I remain hopeful that we can push for a convincing win and take all three points.