bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers' upcoming home clash with the Gas
As Wanderers prepare to host Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the clash.
1. Back to winning ways?
Our unbeaten month came to an end at the hands of the Blades on Saturday with Billy Sharp’s double enough to see off a valiant Bolton side.
Phil Parkinson will no doubt be eager to get his promotion push back on track, the gaffer and his backroom staff will be looking for nothing but three points come tomorrow evening.
2. Jay Spearing
Following the win over Rochdale, news broke that Jay Spearing picked up his tenth booking of the season and would face a two-match suspension.
The midfielder has now served his time away from the team and will be hoping to earn his place back in the starting XI and guide the Whites to victory. However, Spearing will face competition for his place, with the likes of Tom Thorpe, Liam Trotter, James Henry and Derik Osede all able to play in central midfield.
3. Double over Bristol Rovers
Wanderers have already met Bristol Rovers this season, with the first fixture against the Gas taking place in August 2016.
Ultimately, it was Phil Parkinson’s men who went home from The Memorial Stadium happiest, with goals from Josh Vela and Jay Spearing guiding Bolton to a 2-1 win. The meeting will also be Rovers first trip to Macron Stadium since its opening in 1997.
4. Under the lights
Tuesday’s encounter with Bristol Rovers will be our eighth Sky Bet League One fixture taking place under the lights this season.
We’ve developed somewhat of a record for night games this season winning seven of the aforementioned eight games. The solitary league defeat came against Rochdale in late September, meaning Parkinson’s men have won their last five, evening league games.
Let’s continue the run please lads.
5. Injury returns
Tuesday could also see the return of a few familiar faces. Andrew Taylor has missed the last two games having come off injured against Rochdale, he’ll face competition for his spot from Dean Moxey who has filled in for Taylor during his absence.
Elsewhere, Gary Madine may feature should he have recovered from his illness that saw him miss the defeat against Sheffield United, while Reece Wabara could make his debut if he proves to be match fit.
Chris Long also returned to action against Sheffield United, the forward will be hoping to make an impact should he be given the chance to do so.