It is quite amazing how things work out sometimes. With the managerial change at Selhurst Park taking place since the third round draw was made, Sam Allardyce finds himself taking his Palace side to a former club where he spent several successful years.
There is no doubt that this will be a tricky cup tie with Big Sam yet to get this Palace squad into any kind of gear while the hosts are in great form and looking favourites for a quick return to the Championship.
It is not only Allardyce returning to the Macron however, Chung-yong Lee was idolised at Bolton and there is no doubt that both will receive a big welcome ahead of this match kicking off.
It is difficult to know which kind of team will line up for the Eagles in this one as a growing injury list simply cannot be added to. It is likely that Allardyce will opt for a mixture of fringe players and first teamers while Bolton will sense an upset and potentially play their strongest side.
In the last five meetings between the two, Bolton have the upper hand with three wins.
TEAM NEWS
CRYSTAL PALACE – Christian Benteke (shoulder), Zeki Fryers (muscular), Scott Dann (hamstring), James McArthur (calf), Connor Wickham (knee), Pape Souare (leg), Steve Mandanda (knee) and Jonathan Benteke (knee) are all expected to miss out while Loic Remy (calf) may feature.
BOLTON WANDERERS – Mark Davies (knee), Mark Howard (thumb) and Darren Pratley are all expected to miss the cup tie for the hosts.
ACTION REPLAY
The two sides last met in January 2013 at Selhurst Park. The game ended in a goalless draw which interesting featured Dean Moxey for Palace and Chung-yong Lee for Bolton who both now play for the opposition.
Only once have these two sides met in the FA Cup and it was at Selhurst Park in January 1982 as Palace got through to the next round courtesy of a 1-0 win.
FORM GUIDE
Last FIVE meetings between the two sides;
- 19/01/2013: Crystal Palace 0-0 Bolton Wanderers
- 29/09/2012: Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Crystal Palace
- 05/02/2005: Crystal Palace 0-1 Bolton Wanderers
- 16/10/2004: Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Crystal Palace
- 16/04/2001: Crystal Palace 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
Last FIVE results for Palace;
- 03/01/2017: Crystal Palace 1-2 Swansea City
- 01/01/2017: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
- 26/12/2016: Watford 1-1 Crystal Palace
- 17/12/2016: Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea
- 14/12/2016: Crystal palace 1-2 Manchester United
Last FIVE results for Bolton;
- 02/01/2017: Coventry City 2-2 Bolton Wanderers
- 31/12/2016: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Scunthorpe United
- 26/12/2016: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Shrewsbury Town
- 17/12/2016: Chesterfield 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
- 12/12/2016: Bolton Wanderers 4-1 Gillingham
FA CUP FORM
Bolton have already been involved in the FA Cup this season having beaten Grimbsy Town 1-0 in the first round and Sheffield United 3-2 in round two, both at home. Last season Bolton got to the fourth round after being taken to a replay by non-league Eastleigh but were beaten at home by Leeds United 2-1.
ONE TO WATCH
ZACH CLOUGH
Denton born Clough joined the Bolton academy in 2003 and worked his way through the system until making his professional debut in 2013. Still on 21 years of age, the talented attacking midfielder and striker is becoming hot property and Bolton manager Phil Parkinson will do well to keep hold of him in this transfer window. To date, Clough has made 58 appearances and scored 20 goals for the Trotters. He was awarded the PFA Fans’ League One Player of the Month for October.
PREDICTION
Final league position – 1st
It is clear that Bolton have acclimatised to life in League 1 following their relegation from the Championship and look well placed for a swift return. A lot will depend on what transfer dealings take place in the January window but if Phil Parkinson can at least keep the squad together then fans at the Macron could well be celebrating promotion come May.
- TEB prediction – away win
- Chris Manning prediction (see link below) – home win
BETTING ODDS (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home – 13/5
- Draw – 12/5
- Away – evens
- Both teams to score – 8/11
FIND OUT WHAT CHRIS MANNING FROM THE LION OF VIENNA SUITE TOLD US THIS WEEK IN THE BOLTON VIEW
