As the Christmas period approaches the test of Liverpool's resolve approaches its apex as Bolton Wanderers arrive at Anfield on new years day.
Manager Owen Coyle will be looking again to keep Fernando Torres quiet again during this game in the hope that he can come away from Liverpool with more than just a point.
Torres' form of late has been less than the blazing debut season he started with. Liverpool have been forced to look elsewhere for the majority of their goals this season with maturing starlet David Ngog grabbing the limelight away from the Spanish striker.
On paper, this game looks to be Liverpool's. As Bolton have conceded goals that have seen the northwest side eek out some cagey draws during the early part of the season. However, it has proved equally frustrating for them on their travels as it has for Liverpool.
The opening of the transfer window as the year begins should see wholesale changes to a Liverpool team that frankly, has failed to make an impact this season in a somewhat fractured premier league.
Liverpool will need to keep an eye out for on form Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies in this game. The Bolton strike pair is proving to be a pivotal factor in seeing the Trotters consistently remain above the Anfield outfit for most of the season.
Daniel Agger looks set to return for this tie, as his progressive recovery is to see him bolster the red's depleted defence in the absence of Jamie Carragher. And with that in mind, it is worth noting that only Manchester United, Blackburn and Birmingham city have managed to keep goals from visiting sides at bay.
Under pressure boss Roy Hodgson will be looking to string a run of games together from this fixture with Liverpool typically coming good at the latter half of the season.
And with this being the third of four games over the tough run of Christmas fixtures. This will give the Red's an opportunity to finally show their seasons ambitions against a Bolton team that has had poor form away from home.
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