Liverpool v Bolton: FA Cup match preview
A look ahead to Saturday evening's FA Cup tie at Anfield
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eleven years after departing Anfield for Birmingham City, Emile Heskey returns to Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers’ side entertain his new club Bolton in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Heskey spent four years with Liverpool in which he scored 60 goals in 223 appearances but the 37-year-old now plies his trade with a Trotters side who are unbeaten in 2015 and have seen their fortunes transformed since boss Neil Lennon took charge three months ago. Lennon faces his Northern Irish compatriot Brendan Rodgers in these teams’ first meeting since January 2012.
Bolton will arrive in Liverpool off the back of four wins from their last six matches in all competitions, including an impressive 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday midweek – a result which moved them up to 14 in the Championship table.
Their hosts for this fourth round tie have also hit a run of form, having gone unbeaten in their last nine outings, winning six. But goalscorers remain a worry for Rodgers, who eagerly awaits the return of striker Daniel Sturridge from injury. Raheem Sterling looked fit and refreshed against Chelsea in the Anfield club’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night and the 20-year-old – recently back from a break in Jamaica – could be key to Liverpool progressing.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Bolton 3 (Davies, Reo-Coker, Steinsson) Liverpool (Bellamy) 1, Premier League, January 2012
Liverpool 3 (Henderson, Skrtel, Adam) Bolton 1 (Klasnic), Premier League, August 2011
Liverpool 2 (Torres, Cole) Bolton 1 (Davies), Premier League, January 2011
STATS…
These two sides have not shared a goalless draw in 31 attempts – the last coming in August 1979
Bolton have not won at Anfield since December 2003. Emile Heskey was up front for the Reds that day
The Trotters have lost just once in their last twelve matches in all competitions and have won nine of sixteen since Neil Lennon took charge
Liverpool have been drawn against lower league opposition in six of their last seven FA Cup ties
The Reds have only scored more than two goals at home once in all competitions this season
ODDS…
Liverpool to win: 1.33
Bolton to win: 10.5
Draw: 6
TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 5.30pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments