Bolton Vs Liverpool Preview

Bolton vs Liverpool

Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009

Reebok Stadium

Kick-Off: 15:00

Bolton

Bolton Wanderers are off to a shaky start in the 2009-10 Premier League. Having lost their first two matches of the season 1-0 against Sunderland and Hull, they will be looking to net not only their first points of the Premier League season, but their first goal as well.

Gary Megson will try to take the positives from a 1-0 midweek Carling Cup win over Tranmere Rovers and will be hoping that the winning trend continues against a struggling Liverpool side.

Megson will likely be without the trio of Ricardo Gardner, Joey O’Brien, and Ricardo Vaz Te for the match against Liverpool, but Mark Davies, the lone goalscorer against Tranmere, should continue in midfield.

Bolton fans will be expecting more of Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies as they spearhead what has so far been a less-than-vicious Bolton

Liverpool

Liverpool will be coming into the match with problems of their own. After having lost only two matches the entire 2008/09 season, they find themselves equalling that number after only three matches played.

After a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday, Rafael Benitez will again be looking for someone to step up and respond.

Martin Skrtel retruned from a jaw injury against Aston Villa but was unable to stop Villa from hammering three past his keeper.

Liverpool owned most of possession and applied steady pressure to Martin O’Neill’s back line, but were unable to capitalise on their chances. Then, when Villa hit back on the counter attack through the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, the Reds were stood searching for answers.

It has become clear in recent weeks just how much Liverpool miss the service of Xabi Alonso. With his replacement Alberto Aquilani injured, Liverpool will need to raise their game in the midfield if they wish to break out of their current funk.

Daniel Agger is still a couple of weeks off in returning from injury.

Prediction

Last season's Liverpool vs Bolton meetings saw the Reds win both matches (3-0 at Anfield and 2-0 at the Reebok), and they will expect to win this match, as well.

Steven Gerrard has a tendency to raise his game when his club needs him most. Expect him and Fernando Torres to be key figures for Liverpool as they attempt to bounce back.

Bolton will be relying on tight defending and trying to nick a goal on the counter or through set pieces. Kevin Davies aerial abilities could prove a danger to the Liverpool defence.

Given both teams’ struggles, expect a tight, gritty match.

Bolton vs Liverpool Prediction: Bolton 0 -1 Liverpool

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