STAR PREVIEW: Bolton v Liverpool
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]hould be all systems go for a Liverpool side boosted by the return of Sturridge tonight in the BBC1 live game.
Even without Sturridge Liverpool are in good form – with just one defeat from their last 18 games and should finally be able to get past the Bolton defence which did so well at Anfield to book a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Liverpool are now out of the Capital One Cup and with so many big names already casualties in the FA Cup will see the tournament as a major chance for silverware.
Sturridge is likely to be on the bench but wasted no time in getting back amongst the goals on Saturday.
Captain Steven Gerrard is fit to make his 700th club appearance after being rested against West Ham at the weekend because of a tight hamstring.
Bolton have a fairly length injury list. Midfielder Darren Pratley is out due to a torn hamstring and strikers Craig Davies and Emile Heskey are also battling hamstring problems. Goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is out of the match at the Macron Stadium with an ankle injury.
It’s the start of a busy February for Liverpool with this the first of a minimum of five matches in 23 days for Brendan Rodgers’ side – and if they win tonight make that six with Crystal Palace to face in the next round. Immediately on the horizon is the Merseyside derby on Saturday.
Rodgers said: “When you have so many games you have to plan forward and look at that but I always believe the next game is very important and I will always pick a team I think can win the game”.
Bolton v Liverpool
FA Cup Fourth Round Replay
7.45pm LIVE BBC 1
HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max 10 matches)
Jan 2015 FA Cup Liverpool 0-0 Bolton
Jan 2012 Premier Bolton 3-1 Liverpool
Aug 2011 Premier Liverpool 3-1 Bolton
Jan 2011 Premier Liverpool 2-1 Bolton
Oct 2010 Premier Bolton 0-1 Liverpool
Jan 2010 Premier Liverpool 2-0 Bolton
Aug 2009 Premier Bolton 2-3 Liverpool
Dec 2008 Premier Liverpool 3-0 Bolton
Nov 2008 Premier Bolton 0-2 Liverpool
Mar 2008 Premier Bolton 1-3 Liverpool
Same bet as last night appeals – it worked with Man U. Liverpool (-2) on the three way handicap – but we’re playing at much juicer odds tonight – around 100/30 with Star Sports.