Bolton Wanderers Fourth Round FA Cup Draw

The FA Cup fourth Round draw took place today at Wembley Stadium. Bolton Wanderers were in the pot thanks to yesterday's 2-1 victory over Lancashire rivals Blackpool FC.

It's a home match, which is important to a club like Bolton. It is important on the pitch, because the home form needs to improve. If Dougie Freedman's men are to climb up the table, they need to start getting wins at the Reebok. Yesterday's win against Blackpool was a nice start, and I, for one, believe that the confidence will carry on into league matches. A home match is also important off the pitch. Not to put too fine a point on it, but, money. Hopefully we can get more than the 11K that watched yesterday though.

The match will take place on the weekend of January 25th. Bolton will be hosting Premier League new boys Cardiff City. City currently sit 17th in the table, one point above the relegation zone. They defeated Newcastle United yesterday led by new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Fullback Kevin McNaughton and forward Joe Mason recently returned to Wales after loan spells at the Reebok Stadium.

It is a bit early to know much about Solskjaer's managerial philosophy, but he spent most of his formative years learning at the knee of Alex Ferguson, who always prioritized the league over domestic cup competitions. I would be surprised if Cardiff brings a full strength squad to Lancashire later this month. They know how important it is to stay in the top flight.

All things considered, I believe Bolton have an excellent chance to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup. It's a good draw.