Manchester’s clubs outside the top flight face a frantic start to February this weekend as they resume their promotion pushes or attempts to get clear of relegation.
Here MM look at some of the games on Saturday, starting with Championship pair Wigan and Bolton before analysing Bury’s chances for League Two promotion.
League One play-off hunters Rochdale are spared an outing in the cold as their pitch has become a victim of the frost and snow.
Derby County v Bolton Wanderers
Saturday, 3pm, The iPro Stadium
Bolton put in a good defensive performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup in midweek and they will be looking to take that form with them to second-placed Derby.
Manager Neil Lennon will have Adam Le Fondre and new signing Barry Bannan available, but the Wanderers’ boss will still be without several players.
Lennon said on Twitter: “Craig Davies and Emile Heskey will be out for another week or two yet. We hoped Craig would be back by now but can’t rush him.”
Wigan Athletic v Bournemouth
Saturday, 3pm, The DW Stadium
Relegation candidates Wigan face a tough fixture against leaders Bournemouth.
Malky MacKay’s side will be hoping that their January signings will be able to make an impact, having taken just two points from a possible 12 last month.
Speaking on the club’s website, MacKay said: “It is a change in face at the football club in terms of the squad and out there on the training pitch it looks a lot different.
“But it’s good to see the new guys integrating and settling into the club so we’re starting to shape the squad slightly differently.
“At the end of the week, though, the preparation is still all about the Bournemouth game.”
Bury v Exeter City
Saturday, 3pm, JD Stadium
Bury have won two of their last four encounters against Exeter, but it was the visitors that took the spoils last time out.
Just three points separate the two sides in League Two and a win for the Shakers could see them move up to sixth place.
Speaking on the club website, assistant manager Chris Brass was keen to see Bury use home advantage to push on up the table.
“We are at the business end of the season where results do matter, and fortunately our form has picked up.
“We will be approaching in the same manner as we have done, and we’re back on our patch so I’m fully expecting a tough game.”
Rochdale v Leyton Orient
Game postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Main image courtesy of STRskillSchool via YouTube, with thanks.
