Liverpool will be looking to put their campaign back on track when they visit the Reebok stadium in Saturday’s late kick-off. After managing yet another draw at Anfield against Stoke last week, the Reds will be looking to improve their goal scoring record against Owen Coyle’s side who have the worst defense in the Premier League at the moment, conceding 46 goals so far this season.
Former Liverpool striker David N’Gog is expected to start against his former club, while Jussi Jaaskelainen has returned to training following a thigh injury, however he is likely to sit on the bench for this clash. As for the Reds, Jay Spearing is likely to miss out again after he sustained a hamstring injury in the Carling Cup semi-final win over Manchester City. Daniel Agger is expected to return to the starting XI after missing out against Stoke while Maxi’s exclusion from the squad in recent weeks remains a mystery. Luis Suarez will sit out again due to his 8 match ban.
The last time Liverpool went to the Reebok, Roy Hodgson was in charge who managed Liverpool to their first away win of last season when Maxi netted the winner late on. The Reds were comfortable winners in the corresponding fixture at Anfield this season winning the game by 3 goals to 1. Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel were on the score sheet on that occasion.
Steven Gerrard will be looking to extend his impressive goal-scoring record against Bolton.
Probable Starting IX’s
Bolton: Bogdan; Steinsson, Knight, Ricketts, Wheater; Muamba, Eagles, Petrov, M.Davies, Reo-Coker; Ngog.
Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Gerrard, Adam; Henderson, Shelvey, Downing; Carroll.
Prediction:
Bolton 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool will have one eye on their Carling Cup semi-final second leg against City on Wednesday, but with Liverpool’s impressive away form this season coupled with Bolton’s woeful record at home this term, I expect us to take all three points.
You can follow me on Twitter: @UmarKhurrum.
Maxi’s shoulder was injured according to Jen Chang
I don’t care about the score, as long as we win and carrol score.