Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers,
Barclays Premier League,
The Reebok Stadium
Saturday 18 October, 3pm Kick-Off
Bolton Wanderers entertain Blackburn Rovers this weekend, looking to end an eight-and-a-half year winless streak against their Lancashire rivals at the Reebok Stadium.
Looking back at the records, the last time the Trotters registered three points on home soil against the men from Ewood Park was in 2000 when goals from Gudni Bergsson, Michael Johansen and Eidur Gudjohnsen helped secure a 3-1 win.
However Gary Megson has stated that records will count for nothing on Saturday in what should be a cracking Lancashire derby.
A packed house is expected at the Reebok following the club's decision to reduce the price of tickets and that has been coupled with Blackburn selling out their allocation of seats.
With the launch of the new FanZone too, there should be a rousing atmosphere for the second consecutive game, following on from previous home fixture with Arsenal four weeks ago.
It's also worth noting that this is the 139th Lancashire league derby between two founder members of the Football League in both clubs' eighth consecutive Premier League campaign.
Team News
For the third game in succession, Gary Megson looks set to have a full squad to select from, should the final couple of members of his playing squad who have been away on international duty report back fit.
After his sensational goal at West Ham, Matthew Taylor will be pressing for a spot in the starting eleven, possibly at the expense of Ricardo Gardner, who will return to Bolton on the back of a long-haul flight from the Caribbean.
For Blackburn, Paul Ince should have Paul Robinson fit following a calf problem which resulted in the goalkeeper missing the games against Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Roque Santa Cruz limped out of Blackburn's defeat against the men from Old Trafford a fortnight ago and subsequently missed Paraguay's World Cup Qualifiers against Peru and Colombia, so it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for Saturday's contest.
Steven Reid is definitely out following the news that he requires an operation on his knee.
Opposition Manager - Paul Ince
Paul Ince, the second youngest manager in the Premier League, was appointed as the boss at Ewood Park this summer following the departure of Mark Hughes to Manchester City.
A combative and tenacious midfielder in his playing days, Ince is only in his third campaign as a professional manager having risen to the top flight following successful stints in charge of Macclesfield Town and Milton Keynes Dons.
Indeed, last season he achieved promotion with the Dons in style by taking the League Two title by five points.
It was this feat that lured Blackburn into making an approach for his services and one which the 40-year-old couldn't refuse. On his appointment to the Rovers hot seat at the end of June, Ince explained: "I'm not scared of many things and there is no fear factor here. It should be exciting and I'm excited. It means the world to me to be here."
Key Player - Paul Robinson
A few years ago Paul Robinson was regarded as the country's best stopper, however the past couple of seasons have been rather disappointing for the experienced goalkeeper
Having lost his place to David James in the England national side, the 29-year-old also became second choice at Tottenham towards the end of last season when Radek Cerny took his spot in the team, despite playing the the Carling Cup Final victory over Chelsea.
In a bid to revive his career, Robinson moved to Blackburn in the summer replacing the departing Brad Friedel, who had signed for Aston Villa.
A calf injury kept him out of the last two outings, but Robinson is expected to return to the first team on Saturday afternoon.
Ahead of the match Robinson told Blackburn's official website: "It (the Reebok Stadium) isn't an easy place to go and I remember getting relegated there with Leeds a few years ago.
"It is a local derby as well and it will be a tough game, but it is one we'll definitely be looking to win."
Betting
To get all the best odds for the game, visit our official betting partner Bet2Go. A draw is best-priced at 23/10, but if you fancy Wanderers to take all three points then fantastic odds of 29/20 are available.
A scoreless draw is 9/1 while if you fancy Johan Elmander to get the first goal of the game, then back the Sweden international at 6/1.
Click here for more information and hundreds more superb odds.
Listen Live
If you can't make it to the Reebok Stadium on Saturday afternoon, you can listen to live commentary on Wanderers World with broadcasting stalwart Jack Dearden.
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