Our Friday dinnertime regular casts an eye on Gareth Bale, as he looks to take advantage of Bolton’s problem right-back slot. David Hoilett could be the main man for Blackburn tomorrow and Daniel Sturridge will be seeking to prosper down Newcastle’s left flank, in light of Jonas Gutierrez’s suspension:
Gareth Bale vs Gretar Steinsson
A step up in consistency has seen Gareth Bale tear opposition defences apart with a brilliant regularity as Tottenham storm up the table. His left wing raids have become as crucial a part of his side’s play as the contribution of both Rafael Van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor and, having played every minute of the campaign to date, can be expected to torment Bolton from start to finish in tomorrow’s game at the Lane. A total of 3 goals and 4 assists in the last four gameweeks is indicative of his recent form and Owen Coyle’s side can expect a torrid time at the hands of the Welshman tomorrow.
Bolton have something of a right-back dilemma tomorrow. Dedryk Boyata is expected to recover from an ankle injury but having missed the previous four fixtures with the problem, Coyle will perhaps be wary of throwing him straight back into the first-team against a rampant Bale. Alternatively, the Bolton boss could call on Gretar Steinsson, though he appears to be unconvinced over the Icelander, selecting Joe Riley and David Wheater ahead of him in recent weeks. With Riley injured and Wheater suspended, though, his choices are limited- it’s going to be a busy afternoon for whoever he decides to plump for.
David Hoilett vs Ashley Richards
It’s the battle of the nicknames, as “Junior” faces “Jazz” at Ewood Park. Hoilett’s trickery and explosive acceleration have seen him fielded mainly as a left winger for Blackburn this term and while Rovers have struggled for points, he’s still posed plenty threat to his opponents. The Canadian has bagged 2 goals in the last four games and a return of 50 FPL points is indicative of his importance to Steve Kean’s basement dwellers. He’s looking to overcome a virus for this one but, if passed fit, could prove a significant protagonist in tomorrow’s critical showdown against a Swansea side with just two points on their travels to date.
Richards is set for a debut start tomorrow, having replaced regular right-back Angel Rangel midway through the first half at the Liberty Stadium last weekend. The Spaniard’s loss is a crucial blow to Brendan Rodgers’ side, with his forward forays a key part of how Swansea set about their business. Richards has a task on his hands if he’s to live up to Rangel’s level of performance and Hoilett will be keen to test his adaptability from the word go.
Daniel Sturridge vs Ryan Taylor
Joint-top scorer with Frank Lampard on 6 goals, Sturridge’s input has been crucial for Andre Villas-Boas’ side, given the inept performances of both Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in the central striking role. While Juan Mata provides the craft and class, Sturridge has shown an eye for goal that can border, at times, in being slightly a little selfish, with some wayward attempts ending in the crowd when a straightforward pass seems more sensible. Nevertheless, he comes into the game against Newcastle in some decent form, netting in his last two league games and, of any visiting player, looks the most likely to breach Alan Pardew’s defence.
Taylor’s more attack-minded game has seen his defensive qualities come in for some criticism but there’s no doubt he’s upped his performances this season. Working in tandem with Jonas Gutierrez down the Newcastle left flank, his work rate has supplemented his natural tendency to forage forward and his showings both at the back and in front of goal have kept Davide Santon on the bench so far. Crucially, though, Gutierrez is suspended for the Chelsea showdown and his work rate in front of Taylor will be a key loss for Alan Pardew’s side. His replacement, whether it be Sammy Ameobi, Santon or even Peter Lovenkrands, will need to provide Taylor with the similar sort of security to nullify the danger of Sturridge at St James’ Park tomorrow.
