This game will no doubt have a significant bearing on how our season is going to end. Bolton have already taken three points from us when they narrowly beat us at Fratton Park in a game we really should have won. Bolton away is one of the toughest fixtures in the Premiership but there's a feeling among the Blue Army that we owe them one after the earlier result.
Ironically, our style of play away from home is similar to Bolton's. We play 4-5-1 and look to contain the opposition, whilst 5 of the last 7 goals we've scored have come from set-pieces. Kanu has flourished as the playmaker in this formation but he's going to be rested and likely to be replaced by Benjani, despite his slight hamstring injury.
This could be the last game we ever see Manuel Fernandes in a Pompey shirt. If he plays tomorrow then he won't play against Spurs on Monday because of his "three consecutive games" clause. So it would be a perfect farewell if he could sign off with a goal. A few other fringe players such as Ognjen Koroman and Niko Kranjcar might also be given a game.
Bolton only have injuries to Stelios, Quinton Fortune and Joey O'Brien whilst Ivan Campo can play despite picking up 5 yellow cards due to the "seven day rule" (which clears up why Reo-Coker was allowed to play against us.) Expect Bolton to field their strongest team with the likes of Ben Haim, Speed, Diouf and Anelka. Not forgetting goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who has been in outstanding form for The Trotters this season.
I'd take a draw from this game simply because not many teams go to Bolton and get anything. A point each will keep them in touching distance in the league whilst Spurs host Liverpool tomorrow meaning we will gain some ground on one of those teams.
I don't expect this game to be a classic as historically there's only been one goal in it between the two sides but we have scored two goals in each of our games since the 0-0 at Anfield and I feel that we have a chance of "out-Boltoning" Bolton. But it'll be difficult...
Premiership Past: Bolton Wanderers vs Pompey
03/04: Bolton Wanderers 1 Pompey 0
A scrappy second half goal from Kevin "Scummer" Davies settled this one. Dejan Stefanovic was sent off at the end for swearing at the ref.
04/05: Bolton Wanderers 0 Pompey 1
Velimir Zajec's first game in charge against high-flying Bolton didn't go the way we all expected it to. Arjan De Zeeuw scored the only goal with a header from a set-piece. However, this game will be remembered for the dispicable act of El-Hadji Diouf who spat in De Zeeuw's face during the game. Pompey fans haven't forgotten it and "El Llama" is sure to be in for some more abuse tomorrow.
05/06: Bolton Wanderers 1 Pompey 0
Kevin Nolan scored with an overhead kick though as good as it was, it should have been called disallowed as Kevin Davies was offside in the build up. Alain Perrin was sent to the stands late on for sarcastically applauding the officials after a foul throw.
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Home Win (2-0)
Sky Sports: Draw (1-1)
Soccernet: Draw