After the disappointing loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, Roy Hodgson must be somewhat glad to make amends (if that’s even possible) so soon after that home defeat. There have been reports that this is a ‘must-win’ game for Hodgson if he has any chance of keeping his job, so the pressure will certainly be on the gaffer.
After what initially appeared to be criticism of the fans after the Wolves match, which Hodgson has put down to misinterpretation of his comments, he’s urging fans to get behind the team after the reds were booed off - their eighth league defeat of the season, leaving us lying 12th in the table only 3 points above the relegation zone ahead of Bolton’s New Year's day visit to Anfield.
Joe Cole’s participation in the game is in doubt having aggravated an ankle injury whilst training, though Steven Gerrard is likely to be involved despite being 'extremely tired' after playing 90 minutes on his 1st match since returning from a 6 week lay-off.The manager has said he will make changes for tomorrow’s visit of Bolton– after admitting whatever team he sent out against Wolves would not have fared any better.
“We've got some chances to freshen the team up and we'll have to continually do that anyway because there are so many games coming up,” said Hodgson.
Liverpool will be hoping to do a league double over Bolton having already played them at The Reebok, that game ending in a 1-0 win for the Reds with Maxi getting on the score sheet.
Match facts:
- Liverpool have won their last eight Premier League matches against Bolton.
- Bolton have failed to score in six of those eight defeats.
- Liverpool are only five points down on this stage last season, when they went on to finish seventh.
- Liverpool are hoping to avoid a third consecutive league defeat for the first time since October 2003.
- Home: Liverpool 2-0 Bolton
- Away: Bolton 2-3 Liverpool
Doubtful/injured players:
- Cole (ankle), Gerrard (fatigue), Carragher (shoulder), Spearing (ankle)
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