bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers' New Year's Eve clash with the Iron at Macron Stadium
With top spot up for grabs heading into 2017, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of Wanderers' New Year's Eve clash with Sky Bet League One leaders Scunthorpe United at Macron Stadium.
1. Promotion six-pointer
Currently sitting third in Sky Bet League One, Wanderers sit just two points behind Scunthorpe United ahead of their blockbuster clash at Macron Stadium on New Year's Eve!
Both sides have been challenging at the top end of the table from the start of the campaign, and will be eager to gain an upper-hand in the promotion chase heading into 2017.
And with the Whites more than aware at what is stake as they look to leapfrog the Iron and return to the second tier at the first time of asking, the scene is set for a pulsating encounter at BL6!
2. Home comforts
Having returned to winning ways at home to Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day, Bolton will be chasing a tenth successive victory at Macron Stadium when they host Scunthorpe this weekend!
Conceding just four goals at BL6 during this run, the last time the Trotters dropped points at home came back in early October while they have lost just once on home soil in the league all season.
Meanwhile, Wanderers are also unbeaten in their last seven final home encounters of a calendar year.
Same again please, gents!
3. Will Jay Spearing be fit to play?
One of Whites' star performers so far this season, Jay Spearing faces a race to be fit if he is to feature against the Iron.
Bolton's stand-in skipper was withdrawn after 81 minutes against Shrewsbury on Boxing Day with a groin complaint, with Derik Osede coming on to replace him alongside Tom Thorpe.
The Spaniard looks set to be on standby to come in for Spearing once more should he not recover in time, with Liam Trotter and even returning Captain Darren Pratley possible options following their own respective returns from injury.
4. Big crowd
Having welcomed over 16,000 supporters to Macron Stadium on Boxing Day, the Trotters look set to top that crowd against league leaders Scunthorpe United!
Wanderers' biggest fixture of the season so far, there is an air of anticipation around BL6 heading into the clash.
And with a possible victory over the Iron potentially decisive to the promotion race, the Whites will be eager for more of the same on Saturday as they look to see out 2016 in style!
Tickets can be bought from Bolton Central as normal or alternatively you can buy online and print at home, so why not come down to Macron Stadium and cheer on Phil Parkinson's men?
5. Can Wanderers end 2016 on top?
Should Bolton clinch victory over Scunthorpe on Saturday and Sheffield United drop points at home to Northampton Town, the Trotters will head into 2017 as the new Sky Bet League One league leaders.
Fingers crossed!
Half season tickets are still on sale, with adult supporters able to back Bolton during the second half of the campaign from just £13.33 a game!
Following an impressive start to their domestic exploits inside the opening months of the season, Phil Parkinson’s men will head into the New Year looking to build on their efforts so far as the Whites bid to return to the second tier of English football.
For more information or to purchase your half season ticket, please phone 0844 871 2932, visit Bolton Central in person or click onto the club’s ticketing website, www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc.