bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers' trip to Roots Hall
With Wanderers returning to Sky Bet League One action against Southend United this weekend, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites' trip to Roots Hall.
1. First win of 2017?
Having twice battled Premier League Crystal Palace in the Emirates FA Cup in recent weeks, Wanderers will be going in search of their first win of 2017 when they take on Southend United this weekend.
Scoring a last-minute equaliser to earn a point away at Coventry City in their first outing of the calendar year, the shoe was on the other foot as the Whites fell to a late home defeat against Swindon Town last week.
Now looking to bounce against the Shrimpers having also seen their cup exploits ended in midweek, Bolton will be hungry to return to winning ways now they can focus fully on Sky Bet League One for the remainder of the season as they look to maintain their promotion charge.
2. Phil Brown
The Trotters will be locking horns with another familiar face on Saturday, having recently clashed with Sam Allardyce and Lee Chung-Yong, as they go head to head with Wanderers legend Phil Brown.
After leading the Shrimpers into the third tier via the play-offs in 2015, the Southend boss is forging another promotion push this season with his side currently sitting just one point outside of the Sky Bet League One top six.
Brown's side have lost just once since November, coming earlier this month at home to league leaders Sheffield United, while they have lost just three times at Roots Hall in the league all season.
With Brown no doubt eager to maintain this run as he looks to get one over on his former side, the scene is set for another pulsating encounter with Phil Parkinson's men needing to be at their best if they are to come out on top.
3. James Henry
Cementing his place in the Whites' starting XI in recent weeks after extending his loan stint at Macron Stadium, James Henry has been in fine form since the turn of the year.
Scoring what could prove to be a crucial last-minute winner at home to Scunthorpe United on New Year's Eve, the winger also fired home an outstanding strike against Crystal Palace in midweek to give Bolton the lead.
Unfortunate not to have netted more having also hit the woodwork on numerous occasions, Henry looks set to be another key player for the Trotters this weekend.
4. Back-to-back away trips
After making a long midweek trip to Selhurst Park in midweek, Wanderers are back on the road again as they pay an even longer trip to Southend on Saturday.
The Whites were backed by nearly 1,000 fans in London, and having already sold over 500 tickets for their trip to Roots Hall as the Bolton fans continue to excel themselves.
Predominantly naming an unchanged starting XI during the season so far, Phil Parkinson previously rotated when the Trotters made their trip to Coventry City at the start of the month.
With the likes of Max Clayton, Derik Osede, Jamie Proctor and Chris Taylor hungry to impress, could the gaffer use this weekend's game as a chance to give the quarter to shine from the off following another quick turnaround?
5. Pay on the day
Tickets will be available on the day at Roots Hall. With a small increase in price, get down to Southend this weekend, be loud, be proud and back the boys!