Preview: Bolton Wanderers v Brentford

Bottom of the league Bolton Wanderers face fellow strugglers Brentford tomorrow at the Reebok, knowing that a win is all that matters.

Wanderers, winless in their opening eight games, went down 3-0 to West Ham in the midweek Cabaoarabrao Cup tie, whilst our visitors lost at home 3-1 to Norwich City. It isn’t too much of a stretch to say that just eight games in, this is a must-win game for both sides.

With some anti-Phil Parkinson noise beginning to gain traction online amongst the more challenged members of our fanbase, the club’s hierarchy have responded by slashing ticket prices in the hope that having more supporters present will boost the support that the lads so dearly need. You can get an adult ticket for £15 and with concessions at £7 then there’s not much else they can do to help what has been a reasonable home atmosphere this season.

Injuries have played a large part in our downfall, with Josh Vela and Sammy Ameobi still out - the latter may well end up on the bench at weekend but it is believed that this is only going to be as a desperate needs-must gesture.

The visitors arrive in equally poor form, having failed to record a win since their own victory over QPR in the Carabaroa Cup on the same night that we defeated Sheffield Wednesday for our only win of the season.

Without a win in eight, their fans are starting to grumble about manager Dean Smith much in the way that ours have towards Parky. Brentford have had their squad decimated by richer clubs, with Birmingham responsible for nicking three. These sales may well have brought in the big bucks, but what’s the point of having loads of money in the bank if you’re relegated? Seems a bit short-sighted to me.

Regardless, Wanderers have to win. A point wouldn’t be disastrous but even at this stage of the season we need wins and a win is all that will do.

It’s going to be a tense one. Make sure you give the boys the support they need and cross everything you can cross. We have to win.