Match Thread Home V Bolton Sat 6th March. 3pm kick off.

When was the last time we had to argue over which of our in form strikers to pick?

 

It's a sad state of affairs when this forum degenerates into praise for defenders, plans for trips to Wembley and which in-form striker will play up front.
I look forward to when we're back to some semblance of normality: calling for the Owner to sell up, sacking the manager polls and how the whole club is going to hell in a hand cart.

 

Only 8 weeks ago since we were debating who to replace Novak with out of Donaldson, Guthrie or giving Samuels a go. Don’t I’m getting flashbacks.

Whoever starts I’ll back the managers on this one both are going at a 2:1 ratio roughly.

 

Its a wonderful problem to debate on here but a I don't envy the final call Trueman & Sellars have to make! Whoever they choose, I'll certainly back their reasoning for it!

Suppose the argument for Rowe is that he seems to be able to make something for himself from absolutely nowhere which is often so vital in big games like this. But if Bolton do like to press then Cook gives us a bit more of a focal point to go long if needed and get Cooke, Vernam & Evans/Crankshaw involved at the right end of the field.

 

Is it really three more days until Saturday? That feels like an age.
It's so fantastic having that feeling of wanting the next game to come quickly. Even with Saturday-Tuesday games every week it feels too long to wait.
Probably the most exciting end of season in prospect since 2013.

 

Is this the handcart that @Fordy117 will give a good wash before it begins its journey?

 

If we play as we have for the last couple of games, quite simply we will get beaten and quite badly beaten. We need to up our game to previous levels. That said... I am looking forward to watching it.

 

I get the impression Bolton fans seem to think they only have to turn up and the spoils are all theirs.
Think again if your from trotter town our team don't roll over without a fight these day's.

 

Don’t know how you come to that conclusion yes last night we weren’t fluent but you got the impression Mansfield who are a decent side could play all night without scoring

 

Bolton seem to concede alot of goals but know how to out score the opposition. We however know how to keep it tight at the back and nip the odd goal so something has to give.

Personally I would start Rowe over Cook on this one and the reason why is I think he will ruffle their backline of Santos and Baptiste a bit more than cook if he plays like he did last night. Then let cook come on 25/30 mins from the end and run the channels.

 

Do you mean by restricting the opposition to zero shots on target ?

 

Ok - just to summarize what I think is being said on here:

1) Bolton are the best thing since the proverbial, despite being pants earlier in the campaign, are now the club that is going places and no matter what we do on Saturday we are second tune and destined for a loss, or at best a lucky draw.

2) Bolton are on a good run, but unlike our good run, is against weaker clubs and as long as we maintain our composure, sense of purpose, battling spirit, and professional belief a win is more than possible.

Going with the current vote stats I am in the minority with sticking with the latter. But I really believe that we can do this and the players and managers are similarly minded.

So come on, the biggest game of the season so far. 18k+ chanting for 90+. Get behind the lads. We may be crying in our pedigree beers (or alcohol free alternatives) at 5pm, but at least put the crap behind us for 90 minutes.

 

Their midfield may not be so dominant with Levi snapping at them. Now he's stopped going to floor when he challenges he is a lot more effective.

 

Based on? It's too simplistic to say that irrespective of tempo, style, control of game. I think (and I've been guilty of this many times) we are paying the opponents far too much respect.

 

Only thing I would say is that if we start with Rowe again the balls into him need to be to his feet or chest, not in the air. He's got the physical aggression to upset their defenders (we saw that last night) but not the aerial ability.

 

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19128123.ian-evatts-ifollow-radio-rant-tough-gig-covering-bolton-wanderers/

Further to what WW said earlier, had a bit of a nosey. I'm not too sure what to make of this article...

 

In answer to the 3 people who questioned my logic on needing to play better. Bolton are a better team with more goals in them recently than those we have played recently.
My opinion...yes opinion is that if we play as we have they will punish us whereas the other teams haven't.
As I say.... my opinion.

 

We deifinitely have to up our game again, last two games could have gone either way. Defensively we are solid as i've seen since the Parky days, going forward we've still to hit top gear and i'n not sure which combination of front four gives us the best return in an attacking sense.