Bolton v Fulham - No Relief for Roy at the Reebok?
Two of the Premier League’s home-grown manager’s clash in this relegation 6-pointer between Gary’s Megson’s Bolton and Roy Hodgson’s Fulham at the Reebok Stadium this Tuesday. The Cottagers face an uphill task to survive this season as they lie in 19th position, 5 points adrift from those outside the relegation zone. If you throw in an appalling 16-month run without an away win and it is not hard to see where most of the trouble lies. The Trotters have also struggled away from home this season and have yet to pick up all 3 points on their travels. Luckily for Gary, they are playing this match at the Reebok.
Bolton suffered their first home defeat under Megson to Blackburn in their last match at the Reebok, conceding the winner in stoppage time. Prior to this the ‘Ginger Mourinho’ as he is locally known had gone 6 home League matches unbeaten securing 4 wins & 2 draws. They must have picked up confidence from both a clean-sheet and an away point in their last outing at Keegan mania filled Newcastle. After all, they had lost their previous 4 away games and conceded 13 goals in the process.
Having sold top scorer Nicolas Anelka, Megson faces the problem of who will score the goals to keep the Trotters in the top flight. Just 1 goal scored in the 3 games (all comps) since Anelka’s departure underlines this. The manager has moved to strengthen the Bolton rearguard with the signing of full-backs Matt Taylor and Gretar Steinsson. Both new signings featured in the draw at St James’ at the weekend.
Roy Hodgson has also moved to strengthen his newly inherited squad with the signing of Norwegian centre-half Brede Hangeland from FC Copenhagen last week who has been linked to moves to the Premier League on various occasions in the past including Newcastle. He’s unlikely to feature as he is not yet match fit but in Fulham’s current predicament he may well be rushed into action. Other signings are expected, particularly Watford’s Jamaican international Marlon King.
Despite Bolton’s weakened forward line it is hard to back against a home win on current form. The Cottagers have not kept a clean sheet for 13 games and with the Trotters direct approach, it will surely crack under the pressure.
Pundit’s Pick: More away day misery for Roy (home win)
Tags: Bolton, COttagers, Fulham, Gary Megson, Roy Hodgson, The Reebok, Trotters
