Matchpack: Bolton v West Brom
Related links
Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker will undergo a fitness test. Reo-Coker, who has been nursing a leg problem, had a similar assessment before Wednesday's 4-1 home defeat against Tottenham and had to come off in the second half of that game. Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has confirmed Gretar Steinsson has been out of action with a thigh injury rather than illness and the defender remains a doubt, while midfielder Darren Pratley is still sidelined with a virus.
New England coach Roy Hodgson has no fresh injury problems. Midfielder James Morrison has resumed training after recovering from his knee setback but Hodgson has to decide whether he is fit enough to play some part against the Trotters. Striker Shane Long picked up a knock during the goalless draw with Aston Villa last weekend but should be available, although Albion have experienced cover in Marc-Antoine Fortune. Midfielder Zoltan Gera and and right-back Steven Reid remain on the injury list.
MANAGER QUOTES
Owen Coyle: "I have said to the players, as young a group as they are, 'You have got to stand up and be counted and show your character in adversity, and you have got to come through'. That is what I always say, and the real stars always shine brighter. That is when you have to stand up and be counted and that is what Sunday brings. You have to be ready to show that you are brave, and I don't mean charging about the field. I am talking about being in possession of the ball, trusting yourself."
Roy Hodgson: "It is a very proud day for me, I'm a very happy man to be offered the chance to manage my country. I'm looking forward to the task ahead. Everyone knows it is not an easy one but I'm hoping that everyone, fans and supporters will get behind the team."
MATCH FACTS
Eleven Premier League meetings between Bolton and WBA have produced only 20 goals, an average of 1.81 per game.
The Baggies have failed to score in their last three Premier League visits to the Reebok Stadium.
Only Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs have gained more points away from home than WBA this season (25).
WBA have taken 10 points from their last five league games.
Bolton have dropped just four points from winning positions this season, fewer than any other side in the Premier League.
Bolton have been caught offside fewer times than any other team in the top flight this season (50).
Seven of the 11 Premier League meetings between these two sides have been draws with two wins apiece.
The Trotters have won just one of their last six Premier League games and none of the last three on home soil.
West Brom have kept four clean sheets in their last five Premier League matches, but have only scored two goals in their last four games.
Just 11% of the goals West Brom have conceded have been from headers this season, the lowest proportion in the top flight.
MATCH ODDS
Bolton 1/1, West Brom 11/4, Draw 5/2.
Fantasy Football 2011/12
Sport Newsletter
Catch up with all the latest news
Sign up to our free daily newsletter to receive the latest news straight to your inbox. Make sure you don’t miss a thing.» Get more info.
Sign up now
No comments:
Post a Comment