Preview: Five talking points ahead of Bolton Wanderers v Cardiff City

As Wanderers host Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon in their final league outing before Christmas, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites' Sky Bet Championship clash with the Bluebirds.

1. Last home game of the year

Wanderers take on Cardiff City in their final game before Christmas and final home game of 2017 on Saturday!

Having been unbeaten from their last five home outings, the Whites will be looking to respond after suffering defeat last time out against Burton Albion.

Opening October, November and December with victories against Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and Barnsley respectively, the Whites had only late goals to curse for not also clinching maximum points against Queens Park Rangers and Reading.

Eager to put last weekend's home disappointment against the Brewers behind them, Phil Parkinson's men will be looking to make home advantage count heading into a busy festive period.

Can Bolton maintain their recent home form? Get down to Macron Stadium this Saturday and back the boys! Buy tickets online HERE!

2. Bouncing back

After losing just once from their nine outings since the start of October, the Trotters' will be determined to bounce back this weekend following back-to-back defeats against Nottingham Forest and Burton Albion.

Having fallen back into the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone, Wanderers' next run of fixtures could be decisive come the end of the season with a victory capable of taking them out of the bottom three if other results go their way.

Facing off against the second tier's current second-placed side, the Whites will need to put in one of their performances of the season if they are to get a result.

Determined to make home advantage count, a victory for Bolton would offer real momentum with every point vital in the upcoming festive run of games.

3. Team news

Phil Parkinson reported no additional injury news heading into Saturday's game with Cardiff.

Mark Little could come back into contention after missing last week's game with Burton through, having returned to training after having an injection in his back earlier in the week.

4. Former Bluebirds

A number of Trotters stars could face their former club on Saturday as Wanderers welcome Cardiff to Macron Stadium.

Craig Noone enjoyed a successful four-and-a-half stint in South Wales and could face his former side for the first time since moving to BL6 in the summer.

Elsewhere, Sammy Ameobi spent the 2015/16 season on loan with the Bluebirds, Andrew Taylor and Adam Le Fondre enjoyed three seasons with Cardiff and Mark Howard also had a one-year spell with the club.

While all five might not be guaranteed to take to the field against the former club, they will all be hungry to get one over on their former club as the Whites look to head into the upcoming festive period on a high.

5. It's Christmas!

The Carrs Pasties Family Stand will be a hive of festive fun when Wanderers take on Cardiff City this Saturday with a number of family friendly activities taking place prior to kick-off.

With many families taking up the free match ticket offer after purchasing tickets for the Aladdin Pantomime, the club is looking forward to welcoming plenty of first time supporters to Macron Stadium for the Sky Bet Championship fixture.

In conjunction with the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, children will be given selection boxes which have been kindly donated by Westhoughton-based business Gee Tees.

The Hoover Band will be playing Christmas carols throughout the afternoon while a number of free activities for children to take part in, including face painting and balloon modelling, will be available.

Several Bolton Wanderers footballers will also be in the family stand to meet up with supporters to sign autographs and have their photos taken prior to kick off.

The usual football and FIFA skills activities will be in operation with a fun, festive element to them, and the winner of the FIFA skills tournament will be presented with a £50 voucher courtesy of GAME UK.

Lofty Junior will be there keeping a watchful eye on proceedings and joining in on the fun.

Turnstiles will open at 1.45pm, which is earlier than normal, and supporters are advised to attend as early as possible to take part in the fun.

Read Time: 4 mins