Bolton have suffered a poor start the season after their opening day win and will be looking to put that right against Norwich at the Reebok.
The Trotters begun the campaign in emphatic style with 4-0 win at QPR but have failed to register a victory since then losing each of their last three games. Granted they have played both Manchester sides along with Liverpool but boss Owen Coyle will undoubtedly be disappointed with the manner of those defeats and will see Saturday’s game as an opportunity to get back on track. Coyle’s side have never looked the same since the FA Cup final hammering they took from Stoke City and need to shake that off if they are to move forward this season and not get sucked into an early relegation battle.
Visitors Norwich have yet to taste victory since their promotion back to the top flight although manager Paul Lambert won’t be too disappointed with his sides performances thus far. Despite losing 1-0 at home to West Brom last week the Canaries have an enthusiasm about their play which will see them win sooner rather than later. They’ll need to be a lot more disciplined in the penalty area after they conceded their fourth penalty of the season in Sunday’s defeat. However it’s unlikely that they’ll have to wait 14 games for a win like they did in 2004/05 when Nigel Worthington was in charge at Carrow Road.
The Trotters have no new injury worries with Stuart Holden the only absentee as he continues his comeback from a broken leg. New boy’s N’Gog, Gael Kakuta and Tuncay are all vying for a start after their performances in the reserve game with Arsenal in mid-week.
Norwich have John Ruddy back after serving a one match ban whilst James Vaughan is available after his nasty clash with Gabriel Tamas last week. Midfielder Anthony Pilkington should also return after recovering from a back injury.
Key Players
Kevin Davies: As always the Bolton skipper will be vital to their chances. Is likely to put himself about in the penalty area and his experience will be key against a Norwich defence still coming to terms with the Premier League.
Grant Holt: Just like Davies it will be Holt’s job to provide a bullying presence up front with the striker coming up against England international Gary Cahill. Expect a tenacious tussle between the pair.
Prediction: 2-0
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