Liverpool target fourth against an improving Bolton
Fifth placed Liverpool could move into the coveted fourth place with a big win against 15th placed Bolton who look rejuvenated by the arrival of Owen Coyle.
Liverpool's lacklustre draw with Wolves threw up more questions about Alberto Aquilani as Rafa Benitez appeared to suggest that Steven Gerrard and the Italian were fighting for one place; but then again perhaps when Torres returns there will be places for two expansive midfielders given the room that the Spain striker generates. Of more importance is whether the speculation linking Benitez with Juventus will affect his team. This is of interest because Liverpool have closed to within 3 points of fourth place without hitting any kind of stride - this is a bad time to get distracted.
Bolton have given Owen Coyle a win against Burnley and the fighting performance against Arsenal suggests that the Trotters will travel across Lancashire with more than a little hope in their hearts. Coyle has shaken up the personnel with a move for two promising youngsters - Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Man City's 18th choice (probably, I lost count) striker, Vladimir Weiss. Both may well start on the bench as Bolton will probably look to fight Liverpool all across the pitch and nick one from a set piece. This game is no foregone conclusion.
Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers; Kick Off 3:00pm 30 Jan 2010
Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).
Dave Blackburn : 3 - 0
Chris Cox : TBC
Graham Enwright : 3 - 0
Sue Gardener : TBC
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 0
Don McMahon : 2 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 3 - 1
Peter Rendle : 3 - 0
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC
Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a comfortable 3-0 Liverpool win.
Home: 9; Draw: 1; Away: 1; TBC: 10.
* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!
