The inside track on Bolton ahead of crunch relegation match with Reading FC

Bolton manager Phil Parkinson played nearly 400 times for Reading. Credit: Eddie Greville

Bolton Wanderers have put extra pressure on themselves going into Tuesday night's game with Reading FC.

That's the verdict of The Bolton News' Marc Iles who believes a point is the minimum requirement for the Trotters from the match.

Reading and Bolton both sit four points above the bottom three in the Championship table and are in desperate need of a win to ease relegation fears.

Phil Parkinson's side lost 3-1 at home to Preston North End over the weekend and although Royals had a free weekend because of their match being postponed, they are still on a rotten run of just one victory in 14 games.

Here is more from Marc on the Trotters' form and how some of the ex Royals are faring up north.

Are Bolton seeing the game as a must-win?

More of a 'must not lose' I think, but there is no question they have put extra pressure on themselves after a poor home performance against Preston at the weekend.

Unlike Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City and Sunderland - I think there was an expectation this season would come to this kind of nervy conclusion.

How have ex Royals Adam Le Fondre, Jem Karacan and Andrew Taylor done this season?

Alfie is loved by the Bolton fans, much like he was at Reading. Many will claim he has not had enough chances in the first team - and he seems to have attracted this 'impact sub' tag in the Championship which must frustrate him.

Ex Reading and current Bolton midfielder Jem Karacan. Credit: Eddie Greville

Jem has got himself back into the team after a long spell out of the reckoning. He works hard for the team and you can see why he was popular at the Madejski.

Tayls has also been in and out of the team, up against a good young full-back in Antonee Robinson. He's a dependable fella, and never lets anyone down.

Are the fans behind Parkinson?

Most fans see what constraints he has worked under and while the style of football might not always be popular, they know the 'end game' is survival.

I, for one, would consider that a massive achievement.

Key players and formation

Karl Henry is back from suspension and will direct traffic in the middle of the park. Robinson's non-stop energy on the left has been really effective too.

It has been 3-5-2 formation of late, switching to 4-5-1 when necessary.

Team news and predicted line-up

Sammy Ameobi has a back injury. Mark Little and Karl Henry are back from suspension.

Likely team (3-5-2): Alnwick; Burke, Wheater, Beevers; Little, Henry, Pratley, Kirchhoff, Robinson; Clough, Wilbraham.

Prediction

1-0 to Wanderers

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