Wanderers defeated the Merseysiders at Anfield on the 3rd December in the Carling Cup Fourth Round, thanks to goals from Mario Jardel, Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff and they will be hoping to make the short trip across the North West to continue their recent good spell which has seen them go level on points with Gerard Houllier's team.
Bruno N'Gotty who missed the Arsenal game with a hamstring problem is expected to be fit for the local derby and could replace Brazilian Emerson Thome in the heart of the Bolton defence. Henrik Pedersen is likely to remain on the bench for Wanderers despite his last gasp equaliser against the Gunners. Mario Jardel will be hoping to push for a substitutes place following illness whilst Florent Laville (knee) is the only long term absentee.
Liverpool manager Houllier has come under increasing pressure by some sections of the Reds supporters having failed to reach the expected targets so far and many are predicting a defeat by Sam Allardyce's in form Trotters could push the Frenchman closer to the exit door.
The Reds had their game against Wolves at the weekend postponed so it will be pretty much the same side which lost to Southampton just over a week ago. There is a long injury list with Michael Owen, Stephane Henchoz, Salif Diao, Milan Baros, Steve Finnan and Jamie Carragher all missing but on the plus side Harry Kewell could return after an ankle injury ironically sustained in the League Cup clash against Bolton earlier this month. Youngsters John Welsh and Carl Medjani have been added to the squad whilst Florent Sinama-Pongolle could get a starting role.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
PETER BEARDSLEY
DICK EDMED
JOE HEWITT
ROGER HUNT
GEORGE KAY
SAMMY LEE
EPHRAIM LONGWORTH
JASON MCATEER
PHIL NEAL
MARK SEAGRAVES
PETER THOMPSON
JOHN WHEELER