Preview: Five talking points ahead of Bolton Wanderers v Barnsley

As Wanderers host Barnsley on Saturday afternoon in their latest league outing, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites' Sky Bet Championship clash with the Tykes.

1. Home form

Wanderers head into this weekend's game with Barnsley unbeaten in their last four matches at Macron Stadium.

Picking up maximum points against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City, the Whites have only been denied maximum points by Queens Park Rangers and Reading, with both sides scoring late on to snatch a share of the spoils at BL6.

2. Bouncing back

Having been seven games unbeaten prior to last weekend's defeat to Wolves, Phil Parkinson's men are certainly determined to bounce back at the first time of asking.

They will come up against a Barnsley side meanwhile who have lost their last three games in the Sky Bet Championship, including a 3-0 midweek reverse at the hands of Reading on their travels.

And with just seven points separating the Whites and the Reds, this Saturday's meeting could see that gap narrowed should the Trotters pick up maximum points come full time.

3. Defensive reshuffle?

With David Wheater suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Wolves, this leaves the manager with a conundrum in terms of who will come into the fray in his place.

Reece Burke, Derik Osede, Stephen Darby and Dorian Dervite are all possibilities, with Burke in particular no doubt hungry to feature again on home soil after opening his goalscoring account for the club in his last outing at Macron Stadium against Reading.

4. Last chance to buy Wanderers' Festive Bundle

Fans have until 3pm on Saturday to purchase a special Festive Bundle ticket deal for the club's home matches in December.

For just £65 supporters can watch the home games against Barnsley (Saturday 2 December), Burton Albion (Saturday 16 December) and Cardiff City (Saturday 23 December), which represents a maximum saving of £27 on the total price of buying the tickets individually. 

Supporters aged over 65 and under 23 will pay just £50 for the bundle (a maximum saving of £24) while children under the age of £18 will pay £20 for the three-game deal (a saving of £11).

Supporters can choose any part of the stadium for one set price if purchased on or before the Barnsley game on Saturday 2 December.

The Festive Bundle can be bought in person at Bolton Central, over the telephone on 0844 871 2932 or online via www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc

5. Former Tykes man upfront?

Saturday will see current Bolton loanee and match programme cover star Adam Armstrong come up against his former loan side Barnsley.

The striker spent the 2016/17 season at Oakwell, scoring six goals in 37 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit.

And having figured prominently for the Whites so far this term, he will be no doubt hoping to put his old side to the sword this weekend as Parkinson's charges aim to pull themselves out of the second tier's bottom three.

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