bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers' upcoming home clash with the Saddlers
Wanderers host Walsall this weekend with their four winter signings all in line to make their Whites home debuts following their moves to Macron Stadium. With a defensive reshuffle also required, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the visit of the Saddlers.
1. No Lawrie Wilson
Phil Parkinson confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Wanderers will be without the services of defender Lawrie Wilson for the rest of the season after he was ruled out for four months with a hamstring.
A mainstay of the Wanderers back-line for the majority of the season so far, the defender limped off against MK Dons last weekend with early suggestions indicating he would be ruled out for ten weeks.
But after seeing a specialist, it has been confirmed that Wilson requires surgery with the Whites forced into a defensive reshuffle heading into Saturday's clash with Walsall.
2. Defensive reshuffle
With Wilson ruled out, Bolton will be forced into making at least one change this weekend.
Derik Osede, Jay Spearing and Josh Vela have all filled in at right-back in the past, while Tom Thorpe will be hoping to return after missing last week's outing.
Elsewhere, Andrew Taylor should be available after returning to training last week having been a late withdrawal from the starting XI at Stadium MK.
Dean Moxey filled in admirably in his absence and with Dorian Dervite also available, the Trotters have plenty of defensive options for Saturday despite their injuries whether they line up in a traditional back four or a current trend back three.
3. Adam Le Fondre
A firm fan favourite during his first loan stint at BL6, Adam Le Fondre is set to make his second home debut for Wanderers after returning to the Club on deadline day.
The popular forward scored six of his eight Whites goals at Macron Stadium from just ten home appearances during the second half of the 2014/15 season.
And with the Bolton faithful eager to get a first glimpse of Le Fondre at BL6 following his return to the Club, the 30-year-old will be desperate to mark the occasion with a goal as the Trotters look to return to winning ways.
4. Home debuts
Away from Le Fondre, fellow winter signings Chris Long, Viv Solomon-Otabor and Filipe Morais will all be eager to make their Wanderers home debuts against Walsall on Saturday.
The trio all made their maiden appearances for the Club last weekend with Long and Morais both starting outwide and Solomon-Otabor coming on as a late substitute against MK Dons.
Having all caught the eye, all three will be looking to build on promising starts as they prepare for their debut outings at Macron Stadium in the famous White shirt.
5. First win of 2017?
It's got to come at some point! What better time than at Macron Stadium as part I of home double-header? Get down to BL6, be loud, be proud and back the boys! - Get your tickets HERE.
Support Phil Parkinson's men when they take on Walsall at Macron Stadium this weekend!