Preview: Five talking points ahead of Bolton Wanderers v Burton Albion
As Wanderers host Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon in their latest league outing, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites' Sky Bet Championship clash with the Brewe.
1. Home formWanderers head into this weekend's game with Burton Albion unbeaten from their last five matches at Macron Stadium.
Opening October, November and December with victories against Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and Barnsley respectively, the Whites had only late goals to curse for not also clinching maximum points against Queens Park Rangers and Reading.
Now hosting the Brewers at BL6, Phil Parkinson's men will be looking to make home advantage count once again heading into a busy festive period.
Can Bolton maintain their recent home form? Get down to Macron Stadium this Saturday and back the boys! Buy tickets online
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2. Bouncing backAfter losing just two of their last ten outings, the Trotters' will be determined to bounce back at the first time of asking this weekend after last Saturday's frustrating defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Out of the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone on goal difference, Wanderers' next run of fixtures could be decisive come the end of the season.
Facing off against the second tier's current basement club, a victory for the Whites would offer real momentum with every point vital in the upcoming festive run of games.
3. Team newsHaving returned to training towards the end of the week, a late decision will be made on Bolton captain Darren Pratley as he continues to contend with a knee problem.
Elsewhere, David Wheater could return at the heart of defence after sitting out last weekend's defeat to Nottingham Forest while Adam Le Fondre is likely to sit out after suffering with tonsillitis.
4. Six-pointer?The Trotters currently sit two points and three places above 24th placed Burton Albion as the season nears its midway point, highlighting how quickly things could change in the Sky Bet Championship relegation fight this year.
Above Sunderland by a point while only ahead of Birmingham City on goal difference, Saturday's game is a real six-pointer as Wanderers look to make a statement of intent heading into the festive period.
Win and they should stay ahead of the chasing pack. Drop points and they face falling back into the relegation zone, with at least Burton guaranteed to overtake them if they come out on top against the Whites this weekend.
Whatever happens, Bolton will need their vocal support on Saturday and over the second half of the season. Be loud, be proud and back the boys!
5. Signing sessionBolton Central will be hosting a signing session prior to Saturday's game against Burton, with two players present in the club's retail outlet to meet fans from 2pm onwards.
With the Trotters' 2017/18
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[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] shirts back in stock in stock, plenty of
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[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]', the club's 2016/17 promotion-winning commemorative book, and Bolton's official matchday programme, 'The Wanderer', also on sale, fans will have plenty of opportunities to get merchandise signed!
The players due to attend will be confirmed in due course.
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