Bolton v Latics FA Cup Preview

Latics travel 6 miles up the road to face Bolton for the second time this month, the last visit saw a share of the spoils, this time both sides will see many changes in their line-ups as unfortunately the FA cup appears to play a very second fiddle to the Premier League.

Latics will undoubtedly give a run out to some of the youngsters who did them proud in the last round and a start for Callum McManaman is on the cards.

It would appear that there is some agreement for Ali Al-Habsi not to play in the FA Cup against his parent club, so with Chris Kirkland `un-well` Mike Pollitt should get a start.

Here`s hoping for a good game and a chance to see some of the youngsters at the club, also a cup run just may prove a nice distraction from the rigours of the battle to stay in the Premier League

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:


'The FA Cup is always an exciting competition to be a part of and after the disappointment of Tuesday the players are desperate to get back out on the pitch.

'We know how well we performed in the last round and the importance of that tie in allowing the youngsters at the club to show what they're capable of.

'Playing against our neighbours is going to add that bit of spice to the occasion, but there is a great opportunity for some of the youngsters to prove themselves yet again.

'Our aim is simple; to go to the Reebok and be competitive with whoever takes to the pitch in order to progress to the next round.'

Bolton boss Owen Coyle:

"I love the FA Cup"

"There is a freshness and energy about the cup. It takes you away from the league.

"People talk about it losing its shine, that the romance is draining away from it, but I don`t buy that.

"When it starts getting close to when the prizes are being handed out, everyone takes the cup seriously."

Its expected that Bolton will make a few changes and David Wheater is set for his debut

Bright in the league game a few weeks ago, if the youngster features today then he will be one to watch

Looks like Roberto Martinez will be making a few changes, Mike Pollitt in goal and few of the fringe and youth players getting a run out.

Latics from:

Pollitt, Boyce, S Caldwell, Lopez, Robinson, Figueroa, Mustoe, Thomas, Diame, Gomez, McArthur, Redmond, de Ridder, McManaman, Nicholls, Redmond, Buxton, Golobart, Morris, Mustoe, Robinson, N'Zogbia, Rodallega, Watson, McCarthy, Di Santo, Moses

The young forward had a great game against Hull in the last round and is sure to start today, lets see if he can carry on his development with another strong display

Latics and Bolton have never met in the FA Cup before, but they have faced each other 33 times in other competitions

Latics 13 wins, Bolton 11, draws 9

Last Six Meetings

05/01/2011 - Premier League - Bolton 1 Latics 1
23/10/2011 - Premier League - Latics 1 Bolton 1
13/03/2010 - Premier League - Bolton 4 Latics 0
17/02/2010 - Premier League - Latics 0 Bolton 0
02/05/2009 - Premier League - Latics 0 Bolton 0
28/12/2008 - Premier League - Bolton 0 Latics 1

Andre Marriner (West Mids)

Take a look at our `Meet the Ref` article

Card Watch, Andre Marriner 2010/11

Games - 21, yellows - 71, reds - 3

2-0 Latics win

Premier League

West Brom v Latics
Hawthorns
Tuesday
1/02/11
7:45

Latics v Blackburn
DW Stadium
Saturday
5/02/11
3pm

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain