The Reds enter this weekend’s round of fixtures level with Chelsea on 29 points, with rivals Bolton lying 11th with 14 points, two points above the drop zone. The Trotters have won two, drawn two and lost two games at home so far this season, and they will not be relishing the visit of table-topping Liverpool, kick-off at 12:45 hours (GMT).

The Merseysiders have Fernando Torres back in contention for his first Premier league start since recovering from his hamstring injury. The striker, who had successful run-outs against WBA and Tottenham, could return to the side as Liverpool look to bounce back from their Carling Cup Fourth Round exit at the hand of Spurs.

The two teams have met 110 times with Liverpool picking up 46 wins to Bolton’s 35; with a further 29 games ending in a draw. Bolton though have a stronger record at home where they have collected 25 wins to Liverpool’s 17; with 13 matches ending all-square.

Last season’s game at the Reebok Stadium ended 3-1 to Liverpool. Steve Gerrard opened the scoring with a low shot that struck Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the face before spinning into the back of the net. Ryan Babel who made it 2-0 to the Reds before Cohen headed a corner past Reina to reduce arrears, however Fabio Aurelio hit Liverpool’s third as the Reds held on for a hard-fought 3-1 victory.

Fernando Torres was substituted in the 77th minute of the Premier League win to a standing ovation from the away support following a solid performance from the Spaniard.

When the two teams met last season at Anfield, Fernando Torres got on the score-sheet as the Reds thumped the Trotters 4-0. The Spaniard collected a long through ball from before chipping the ball over the Bolton keeper.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea play WBA away on Saturday in the late afternoon kick-off at 17:30 hours (GMT).

Bolton were founded in 1874, and were originally called Christ Church FC, with the club’s name changing to Bolton Wanderers in 1877. Bolton were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League, formed in 1888, and enjoyed several early successes.

Bolton have won the FA Cup on four occasions and have been runners-up three times. Their most famous victory came on April 28 1923 when they beat West Ham United 2–0 in the first ever Wembley final. The game was played in front of 127,000 supporters. Wanderer’s have not won a major trophy since 1958, when they overcome Manchester United in the FA Cup final in front of a 100,000 crowd.


Photo: J.A. Sirvent