Bolton Wanderers head to Derby County on Saturday afternoon in a Sky Bet Championship away clash. With that in mind, bwfc.co.uk highlight five things to take into this weekend's game.
- Derby challenge
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk prior to the clash, manager Phil Parkinson spoke about what he expects from Frank Lampard's Derby County this weekend.
Parkinson said: ‘Derby play with a 4-3-3 formation and they are a team who have a lot of talented young players - a lot of those are the loan players they've brought in.’
'They've had some good days this season, particularly in the cup. Their league position at the moment is probably not what they would have wanted. It's not all been plain sailing for them.'
'We've got to make sure that we understand what we have got to do tomorrow. They're a team that you can create chances against, and we've got to go down there with the belief we can do that.'
- The reverse fixture – Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Derby County 29/09/18 (Craig Noone)
Earlier this season in September 2018, Wanderers welcome Frank Lampard’s side to the University of Bolton Stadium.
Ten minutes in and Wanderers took the lead, as Will Buckley looped a cross to the back post for Craig Noone to power his header back across goal and into the back of the net, wheeling away to celebrate with an on looking Stephen Darby.
Derby tried to respond throughout the game, but it was not enough as Phil Parkinson’s men took all three points in the sunshine.
To relive these highlights, follow the YouTube link below!
- New Faces at Pride Park Stadium
In the January transfer window, Rams manager Frank Lampard brought in a few new faces to bolster his squad.
A face that Lampard knows very well is former teammate and England international Ashley Cole.
His career is filled with trophies, having won it all domestically at his former clubs Arsenal and Chelsea.
Cole has over 100 England caps and joined the Rams in January 2019, following a spell abroad at LA Galaxy.
Along with Cole, Efe Ambrose joined on a short term contract with the Derbyshire club, after leaving Hibernian earlier in January.
Having played in his native Nigeria, Israel and Scotland, Ambrose has won a selection of trophies ranging from multiple Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic, to winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 with the Super Eagles.
- Discount Shirt Offer
Buy a BWFC home, away, third choice or goalkeeper replica shirt for just £19.99 each in our replica kit sale.
Get kitted out in club colours while you support the lads for the remainder of the campaign at an amazing price, while stocks last.
Whether it’s the traditional white home shirt, the popular black away shirt or the stunning blue third shirt, make sure you don’t miss out.
Check out bwfcdirect.co.uk for further reductions across the BWFC replica range.
- Opponent’s recent form
When looking to Derby County’s current form, they have taken six points from their last five league matches.
Their previous home game was a 6-1 heavy victory against Rotherham United, with Bradley Johnson, Duane Holmes, Mason Mount and a brace from Martyn Waghorn completing the rout.
They currently sit eighth in the division, just five points out of the play-off places.
When looking to their home record in the last five games, Derby have come away with eight points and are currently undefeated in their last four outings at Pride Park.