Wanderers will face Championship high-flyers Norwich City on Saturday.
Whatever happens at the University of Bolton Stadium tomorrow could have a profound impact on the rest of the season.
Bolton go into the game after beating play-off hopefuls Birmingham in midweek, but Norwich could prove too much of a challenge for Phil Parkinson’s side.
A much tougher prospect
While Birmingham were sat in eighth prior to kick-off on Tuesday, Norwich are currently second. Daniel Farke’s side are just one point off top spot, currently occupied by Leeds.
As it happens, Leeds are Bolton’s opponents next week.
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However, Norwich did fall flat on Wednesday. Their midweek loss away at Preston does give Bolton a glimmer of hope that they can achieve a similar result tomorrow.
Unfortunately for Bolton, Norwich’s loss at Deepdale will likely galvanise the Canaries. Bolton will have to ensure they don’t see a repeat of the Hull City collapse at the start of January.
Norwich’s attacking threat
Norwich’s biggest attacking threat comes in the form of Finnish international, Teemu Pukki. The striker has scored an incredible 21 goals in the Championship so far, more than the whole Bolton team put together. If the Trotters can neutralise his attacking threat like they did with Che Adams in midweek then they could stand a chance.
Momentum is key
The last time the two clubs met in December, Bolton came away deserving more. A 93rd minute winner for Norwich left Bolton with nothing to show from a spirited away performance that merited at least a draw.
If the Trotters can replicate the performance shown at Carrow Road then a positive result is definitely on the cards.
Bolton will have to be at their very best tomorrow. If they want to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season, another positive result would be ideal.
