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Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool - PreviewBy James Carroll - 01/03/2008 18:19
Liverpool travel to Bolton Wanderers tomorrow with Rafael Benitez looking for his first win as Reds' manager at the Reebok Stadium.
The Spaniard has only managed to pick up a point from three previous visits to the Reebok and Benitez has often been critical of Bolton's physical approach.
Therefore, Benitez is well aware that his players are in for another stern test tomorrow afternoon but he believes that his team can bring the three points back to Merseyside.
"Games at the Reebok are always difficult, we know that," Benitez said.
"We also know that it will be a tough, physical game against Bolton but the team is training well and working hard, so I have confidence that we can win.
"All the players have worked really well this week and training has been very good.
"It has been good to have a full week together, not just for this week but also thinking about the games we have coming up.
"When you can prepare properly and when you can spend more time together training with intensity then you will see the benefits of that in the weeks to come.
"The team spirit has been fantastic all week and the commitment of the players could not be faulted.
"Everything is good, now we just have to win against Bolton and then everything will be easier.
"They are a physical team that play direct. Normally they play with a target man, Davies, and they try to support him. We know it could be like this but we will try to control and keep the ball if we can."
Liverpool will have Xabi Alonso, Harry Kewell and Martin Skrtel back in contention for starting roles following their appearances for the reserves in midweek, but the fixture has probably arrived too soon for Daniel Agger.
Agger hasn't played for the first team since his sustained a metatarsal injury in September but he made his long-awaited comeback for the reserves on Tuesday. Andriy Voronin is still out due to injury.
Jamie Carragher returns after suspension and could make his 350th league appearance for the Reds.
Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant are vying for starting berths.
Bolton have a virtually full strength squad to choose from but they're without Danny Guthrie, who is ineligible to play as he is on-loan from Anfield.
Kick-off is at 1:30pm.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, A O'Brien, Cahill, Meite, J O'Brien, Steinsson, Gardner, Stelios, Nolan, Campo, Cohen, Taylor, Diouf, Davies, Helguson, Samuel, McCann, Al Habsi, Alonso, Teymourian.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Riise, Babel, Kewell, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Torres, Kuyt, Crouch, Lucas, Itandje. |
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Post time 29-2-2008 09:37 AM
