After being held to yet another draw at Anfield, Liverpool travel to the Reebok stadium to face Bolton, who were thumped by Manchester United last time around in the league. Liverpool are now 5 points behind Chelsea who are in the 4th place and will need to start notching up the wins in order to stand a chance of playing in the Champions League next season. Bolton on the other hand are struggling badly and will be hoping to improve their 19th position in the league.
Earlier in the season, Bolton were comprehensively beaten at Anfield by Liverpool, courtesy of goals from Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel, with Ivan Klasnic providing a consolation goal for the visitors towards the end. Last season, Bolton lost to Liverpool at the Reebok by a small margin, with Maxi scoring the only goal of the game after 86 minutes.
Bolton
Bolton’s season hasn’t gone to plan. They are now among the favourites for the drop and are just a point ahead of Wigan, having played a game more. The main problem for the Trotters has been their defence. With Gary Cahill headed for Stamford Bridge, matters have only become worse. Testament to their travails this season, is the fact that they have conceded a whopping 46 goals in 21 games, the worst defensive record in the Premier League so far this season.
The Trotters’ full backs in particular may be in for a rough night, especially with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Stewart Downing, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique making runs out wide. In fact a lot will depend on Bolton’s ability to stop the aforementioned players from sending crosses inside the box, especially with Andy Carroll expected to start.
Bolton’s frontline will be crucial for them in this match. David N’Gog will be lining up against his old club and will be hoping to make a mark. However, Bolton’s most potent weapon could be Kevin Davies. Although the Englishman has failed to cement a place in the starting eleven, he could just be included given Liverpool’s weakness from set pieces.
In terms of injuries, Bolton have as many as 6 players who will miss this match including Jussi Jaaskelainen who has a thigh injury, Marcos Alonso who is suffering from a foot injury, Tyrone Mears and Chung Yong Lee both of whom have broken legs and Ricardo Gardner and Stuart Holden both of whom have knee injuries.
Liverpool
The dream of a top four finish is fading fast for Kenny Dalglish and his team. Liverpool’s main problem this season has been the lack of goals. The Reds have only scored 24 times in 21 appearances, a figure lower than even Bolton who have scored 25.
Much will depend on Andy Carroll in this match. The under fire forward did look threatening after coming on as a substitute against Stoke and could be a handful if Liverpool’s midfield gives him ample service. Another key player for the Reds will be Craig Bellamy. The 32-year old just seems to have a spark that is missing in the majority of the other Liverpool players and his pace could come in handy.
Two pivotal players in the midfield will be Charlie Adam and Steven Gerrard. Although Adam was excellent against Stoke, Gerrard was largely ineffectual and will need to up his game, especially in the absence of Luis Suarez.
Defensively though Liverpool look solid. They have the second best record in the league, having conceded only 18 goals so far and will certainly fancy themselves against Bolton’s frontline.
Among the players who will miss this game are Lucas, Jay Spearing and Luis Suarez (suspended) while Daniel Agger is doubtful having picked up a minor knock.
Head to Head:
27th August, 2011: Liverpool 3-1 Bolton (Henderson 15’, Skrtel 52’, Adam 53’, Klasnic 92’)
31st October, 2010: Bolton 0-1 Liverpool (Maxi 86’)
Form Guide:
Bolton (WLDWD):
17th January, 2012: Bolton 2-0 Macclesfield (FA Cup)
14th January, 2012: Manchester United 3-0 Bolton
7th January, 2012: Macclesfield 2-2 Bolton (FA Cup)
4th January, 2012: Everton 1-2 Bolton
31st December, 2011: Bolton 1-1 Wolves
Liverpool (DWWLW):
14th January, 2012: Liverpool 0-0 Stoke
11th January, 2012: Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool (Carling Cup)
6th January, 2012: Liverpool 5-1 Oldham (FA Cup)
3rd January, 2012: Manchester City 3-0 Liverpool
30th December, 2011: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
Probable Line-up:
Bolton (4-4-2): Bogdan, Steinsson (RB), Knight, Wheater, Ricketts (LB), Eagles, Petrov, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Davies, N’Gog / Klasnic
Bolton may employ a 4-4-2 formation, with former Liverpool hitman David N’Gog leading the line alongside Kevin Davies. Ivan Klasnic may also be handed a start, with N’Gog likely to be demoted to the bench. Martin Petrov and Chris Eagles will be expected to continue on the wings while Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker may be handed a start in the midfield. The defence is likely to remain the same with Zat Knight partnering David Wheater at the centre, Gretar Steinsson operating on the right and Sam Ricketts operating on the left.
Liverpool (4-5-1): Reina, Johnson, Agger/ Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Bellamy, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Carroll.
Dalglish will make a few changes after a disappointing result against Stoke and Andy Carroll can be expected to spearhead the attack. The midfield will comprise of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, with Henderson operating in a slightly attacking role, while Craig Bellamy and Stewart Downing will be deployed on the wings. Daniel Agger may come back into the side should he recover from a minor injury, although Jamie Carragher may get a start in his absence alongside Martin Skrtel, with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique flanking them.
Prediction: Liverpool have been a different team away from home this season and will be expected to win at the Reebok. Bolton’s defence is the worst in the league and the Trotters may end up losing this game as well.
Predicted Scoreline: Bolton 0-1 Liverpool
