Username
Password
Bolton Wanderers v. Sunderland preview (FA Cup R3)

Bruno N'Gotty
By Matt Lawton
January 3 2003
Bolton Wanderers begin their FA Cup road to Cardiff at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow, as they take on fellow Premiership strugglers Sunderland in the Third Round of the legendary knock out competition.

However, the FA Cup is known to be on a par with the Worthington Cup in terms of importance in the mind of Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce. With this in mind, Allardyce may rest several first team players and give youth a chance against the Mackems.

Young local-born defender Danny Livesey, who made his first team debut in the 3-2 defeat against Liverpool in September, looks set to start the game in place of club captain Gudni Bergsson. Former Real Madrid defender Ivan Campo may return from suspension to take the place of veteran defender Mike Whitlow who is still struggling with the injury that kept him out of the 0-0 draw with Everton last weekend.

Allardyce will also be missing the services of French stars Youri Djorkaeff and Bruno N'Gotty.

Former Huddersfield Town striker Delroy Facey may start first game senior game for Bolton following several impressive performances as a substitute in recent weeks.

It is set to be far from a sell out at the Reebok but a win against Sunderland could really give Bolton a mental boost as the fight at the bottom of the Premiership becomes more and more desperate.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with: