bwfc.co.uk previews Sunday's Emirates FA Cup second round tie
Wanderers host Sheffield United on Sunday as attentions turn to cup duty with the second round of the Emirates FA Cup. With the Whites a place above the Blades in Sky Bet League One with three wins and three cleans sheets from their last three outings, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of this weekend's game.
1. Three wins, three clean sheets
Wanderers head into Sunday's Emirates FA Cup second round tie off the back of three straight wins and cleans sheets, form which sees them currently sit a place above opponents Sheffield United in the Sky Bet League One table.
While league form goes out the window in cup games, the Whites will be eager to continue their current form as they look to come out on top against the Blades once again.
2. Goals
Bolton's record victory actually came against Sheffield United in the second round of the FA Cup all the way back in February 1890.
The Trotters ran out 13-0 winners that day, though even the most optimistic of Wanderers supporters would admit a repeat scoreline is just a little unlikely!
In fact, quite the oppositie is expected if current form continues with the scene set for a tantalisingly tight encounter at Macron Stadium this weekend.
Boasting the tightest defence in England this season, having only conceded 12 goals in Sky Bet League One, Wanderers face the second leading goalscorer in the division in the form of Billy Sharp.
The forward has scored 12 goals so far this season, while the Whites' own leading goalscorer Zach Clough matched his career-best tally of seven last time out against Northampton Town.
In a fixture that has finished 1-0 in three of the last four meetings, and decided by one goal in seven of the previous 16 clashes (six of them finishing in stalemate), both men could prove crucial to their own side's chances of victory on Sunday!
3. Derik Osede
One of Bolton's star performers in recent weeks, Derik has shone alongside Mark Beevers in the heart of defence in the absence of the injured David Wheater.
Joining the Trotters from Real Madrid at the start of last season, the Spaniard is yet to feature for the club in the Emirates FA Cup.
Having completed the full 90 minutes in each of Wanderers' last three outings as they kept three clean sheets along the way, could a dup debut await?
4. Gaffer's got form
The gaffer has developed quite the taste for a cup run in the past during his time with Bradford City.
He was a Capital One Cup finalist with the Bantams in 2013 having knocked out Premier League trio Arsenal, Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic on their way to Wembley.
Parkinson also led Bradford to the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2015, memorably recovering from 2-0 down to beat eventual Premier League champions Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge before seeing off top-flight Sunderland.
Win on Sunday and another tie against a top-flight side could await with Premier League and Sky Bet Championship sides entering the competition at the third round stage.
But will the Whites still be in the hat and can Parkinson's cup love affair continue?
5. We've done it once...
Sunday's game marks Sheffield United's second visit to BL6 this season after Jay Spearing's stunning volley sealed all three points for Bolton on the opening day of the season.
Having come out on top against once, could history repeat itself this weekend? Get down to Macron Stadium to find out!
Half season tickets are now 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.