bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers' upcoming home clash with the Wombles
As Wanderers prepare to host AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the clash.
1. Final Five
This week Bolton Wanderers have been running the Final Five promotion. The offer gives Whites fans the chance to watch the remaining five home games for just £15 per match.
The Final Five ticker is still available for purchase now via Bolton Central in person, by calling 0844 871 2932 or by buying online.
Be loud, be proud, be part of the action and get behind the boys as Wanderers aim to return to the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking.
2. Formation
In our last two games, Phil Parkinson has opted to play two different formations. Going into the Sheffield United game the gaffer stuck with the 3-5-2 system allowing wingbacks Dean Moxey and Filipe Morais to provide the width.
On Tuesday night Bolton started in the 4-2-3-1 formation with Chris Long playing as the lone striker with support behind offered by Josh Vela, James Henry and Filipe Morais.
It’s clear Parkinson trusts his side to play in different shapes and formations so how will we line up come 3pm?
3. First goal for Adam Le Fondre
Since his return to BL6, Adam Le Fondre is yet to find the back of the net.
With Chris Long out suspended it could the returning Le Fondre the chance to make an impact on the side and push Wanderers towards and automatic promotion spot.
4. Gary Madine & Tom Thorpe
Two players who have missed out recently are Tom Thorpe and Gary Madine, both of which have trained ahead of the weekend’s game.
Thorpe was forced to sit out Tuesday’s draw with Bristol Rovers after being on the receiving end of a tough challenge by Sheffield United’s John Fleck last weekend, whilst Madine has been suffering from a virus for the past week.
With Chris Long suspended however and Jay Spearing currently awaiting results on a knee injury, both could very well return to the fray this weekend.
5.Double over Wimbledon
Wanderers head into this weekend’s encounter having already defeated their opponents from the Cherry Red Records Stadium earlier in the season and will no doubt be eager to complete a league double over the Dons come Saturday afternoon.
In the club’s first away fixture of the current campaign, goals from Gary Madine and Liam Trotter ensured that Bolton overturned a one-goal deficit at Kingsmeadow back on August 13.
A result which marked the Whites’ first away win in almost 500 days, it was certainly a catalyst for brighter times on the road with Phil Parkinson’s side having secured six victories on the road so far this term.