Bolton vs Reading preview
Tuesday 29 January 2019 07:55, UK
David Wheater and Marc Wilson are doubtful as Bolton return to Sky Bet Championship action at home to Reading on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm).
Wheater injured his knee prior to the FA Cup fourth-round defeat at Bristol City while fellow centre-back Marc Wilson failed to recover from a dead leg in time to face the Robins - although he was among the substitutes.
On-loan Birmingham defender Jonathan Grounds was laid low by illness last time out and could be absent again.
Midfielder Joe Williams (thigh) continues his recovery and winger Yanic Wildschut is set for three months out to recover from ankle surgery.
Reading will almost certainly be without defender Tiago Ilori, who is set for a permanent switch to former club Sporting Lisbon.
But recent loan acquisitions Nelson Oliveira, Emiliano Martinez and Matt Miazga are pushing for their debuts.
Royals captain Paul McShane is working his way back to fitness following a lengthy absence because of a hamstring injury but is unlikely to be involved at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Fellow defenders John O'Shea and Tom McIntyre will definitely miss out due to injury, while forward Yakou Meite and midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi are also sidelined.
Opta stats
- Following a 1-0 win in this season's reverse fixture, Bolton are looking to record their first league double over Reading since 2007-08, when both were in the Premier League.
- Reading are unbeaten in their last four league games away at Bolton (W1 D3), and came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in this fixture last season.
- Bolton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 20 matches in all competitions (W2 D4 L14).
- Reading have won just once in their last 23 away games in all competitions (D8 L14).
- Bolton have attempted just 37 shots on target in home Championship games this season - only Ipswich have had fewer (36).
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 0-0 (17/2 with Sky Bet)
