Liverpool versus Bolton - Match preview
Liverpool takes on Bolton at a time, where more than anything, the job of their manager Roy Hodgson is at stake. The Reds are currently placed in 12th position on the table and need a big win, not to get three points but
give some confidence to the team and more importantly to the frustrated fans. Liverpool were booed off the ground as they ended the last home game against Wolves with a 1-0 defeat.
The New Year’s Day encounter at Anfield would see two teams with different aspirations pitted against each other. Couple of seasons ago the roles could easily have been reversed, as Liverpool look nervously close to the relegation
zone being just three points away. Bolton look to cement their place in the top six and put pressure on Tottenham for a Europa cup spot. Roy Hodgson is a manager under extreme pressure. The former Fulham boss made a desperate plea to the fans to back the team
after another home defeat on Wednesday.
Hodgson had also said that he has not been backed by the supporters since day one. These comments did not go down so well with the fans and he was forced to clarify the situation, later. So it is a tender relationship between him
and the fans right now, which can really be healed to some degree by not just a win but in fact a big home win. The Reds may see this match as a turning point in the season, as it is the beginning of a new year. Bolton on the other hand would be making a short
trip across to Merseyside. Owen Coyle’s team would be looking to end the string of defeats away from home. Their last three away games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Sunderland have ended in defeats. Their last match was against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 and Bolton were
certainly dealt a short hand at Stamford Bridge. Totters were beaten 1-0, through a Frank Malouda goal. Replays clearly showed that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044 was off side when he played the ball to Malouda for the goal which proved to be the winner.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wolves-c40952. Hodgson said
that Gerrard was fit to play but still he is not sure if he would put him in the starting line up. He added that the full 90 minutes after a long layoff did tire him out and he would wait till late to make the final call on the midfielder. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joe-Cole-c18694 is still
out as he aggravated his ankle problem during training. The former Chelsea winger is still waiting to make an impression at Anfield since making the free transfer move in the summer. Owen Coyle also has injury worries and may be forced to make six changes
to the team that played against Chelsea.
Bolton are expected to travel with just a 15 player squad. Paul Robinson got his fifth yellow card for the season and is suspended for the match. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/United-States-c3034 ended the Chelsea game with an injury.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tamir-Cohen-c34618 is on leave following the death of his father. Getar Steinson has not recovered from a knee injury.
On paper, Liverpool should be clear favourites but considering the current form of both teams it may be an even contest.
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