Last time out, Liverpool endured a frustrating goalless stalemate against Stoke City at Anfield, making it eight draws in the Premier League this season with seven of those coming on home soil. Their stumble means they trail fourth-placed Chelsea by five points, much to the annoyance of their manager, who came in for criticism for his tactics in the meeting with Stoke.

Dalglish's decision to play three centre-backs and opt for Dirk Kuyt as the lone striker backfired, with his side looking distinctly blunt without the banned Luis Suarez, who offers craft on top of the Dutchman's work-rate.

A more attacking approach at the Reebok Stadium is surely in the offing, though, with Bolton notoriously leaky this term, having let in 46 goals in 21 fixtures - the worst defensive record in the division.

And their task of keeping things tight at the back has been made that bit tougher after Gary Cahill's exit to Chelsea was confirmed this week, meaning the partnership of David Wheater and Zat Knight is set to continue.

For Liverpool, there have been calls for Welshman Craig Bellamy to be handed more playing time, with the forward being rewarded with just five starts to date but still managing to be the club's second top goalscorer.Bolton put up little resistance in their previous league encounter as they were brushed aside by Manchester United, although they did respond in the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat of Macclesfield during midweek.

Liverpool also have Cup competition on their minds, as this weekend's clash versus the Trotters precedes the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City when a draw will be enough to take them to Wembley.

Bolton player to watch: David Ngog: Ngog will surely relish playing against his former club, where he was given little chance to impress on a regular basis. The French striker parted ways with Liverpool for a reported £4 million in August 2011 after making 21 league starts, scoring nine times, in three years at Anfield. Ngog has netted twice for Bolton since the switch and will be itching for a starting berth on Saturday. He will, however, be up against it, as, while Liverpool have struggled going forward, the Reds have been an impressive unit defensively, the club boasting the league's second-best goals against record.

Liverpool player to watch: Stewart Downing: The pressure is ramping up on winger Downing, who Liverpool signed from Aston Villa for £20 million last summer. In 21 Premier League appearances, Downing has attempted more shots without a goal than any other Premier League player this season (47). Furthermore, the midfielder is also without an assist to his name. He was replaced by Bellamy on 59 minutes against Stoke, leading to suggestions Dalglish may finally be losing patience with his lack of end product.

Key Battle: Fabrice Muamba v Steven Gerrard: With Suarez suspended the onus falls on Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, whose return to fitness is timely. The influential midfielder already has the same number of league goals this season as the much-maligned Andy Carroll (two), and further thrust will be hoped for in light of his side's toiling when going forward of late. The leggy Muamba will be charged with restricting Gerrard, who has recently played a more withdrawn role.

Trivia: Liverpool have drawn 99 Premier League away games.

Stats: Liverpool have scored with just 8% of their attempts at goal, a lower proportion than any other team in the top flight.


Match

stewpid liverpool.
They would still draw this one.
Mtchew!!

goal for bolton

2-0 to Bolton

This liverpool is the most useless club ever. An unlikely comeback might just prove me wrong.

2 - 1

bellamy

2 - 1

Come on Bolton,,,,,we can win this!!!!!!!!!!!






#Javalove. . .unless otherwise stated, , ,!

mukina2:

goal for bolton

#Javalove. . .unless otherwise stated. . .!

Yes btw 1st nd 2nd half, now oveq to d CAF Nations cup opening match btw Equitorial-Guinea vs Libya which is abt kicking-off.

Bolton thrashing liverpool

3-1

Mehn, Reo-Coker and Bellamy go still throw blows for this game.

Sad. Anyhow we

You Never Walk Alone

Chai! Dem don finish Liverpool.

Bolton, I troway salute for una side

na to dey beat city them know , to play thier mate turn india film ,

Game over !!!

Liverpool and Andy Carroll   SMH

Happy for Bolton sha

what a useless team!
Liverpool is the only club in epl right now without a natural striker.
Carrol is more or less a spectator!
Smh for kenny dalgish!

Liverpool is a mid table team unless they invest lyk man city or madrid

Liverpool needs to get rid of Carroll and Johnson. They are not positive players. Adam is also another poor player. We really miss Lucas and Suarez. I should think by now Suarez has only 3 games left to miss. Am no longer sure of our chances to eliminate Mancity in the Carling cup with these crop of players.

I agree Carroll and Adam are very poor and when you take Gerrard and Suarez out of that team they struggle. Liverpool have never replaced Alonso and until they find a player like him to partner Gerrard they wont move to the next level and of course a decent striker who will grab 20+ goals they are linked with Defoe but i don't think he is the answer.

Dalglish with an excellent post-match interview ! Fires a warning to the players who ultimately must take responsibility.

"If that's the level they expect this football club to play at, they won't be here long.

Liverpool really need to start playing the game with purpose and vision, and stop been just part of the league.

Walking alone with a goal. That is football for you

clip:

Walking alone with a goal. That is football for you

They won't walk alone