Dougie Freedman believes his Bolton Wanderers squad are ready for the hectic Christmas schedule which starts on Saturday away at promotion-chasing Watford.
Bolton are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run and are aiming to make it three wins in a row against Gianfranco Zola’s men.
However there are question marks over the strength of Bolton’s squad but Freedman believes they have what it takes to continue their good form into the busy Christmas period.
“You’ve got to have energy and people with the right sort of qualities, and I believe that a year down the line we have got that quality to face a relentless three or four month period,” Freedman told the Bolton website.
However he admitted he may need to strengthen his squad in January if they are to challenge for a play-off place this season.
“We still need to strengthen the squad in certain areas over Christmas and I am working very hard at that, but I’m not bringing in people just because they’re available.”
Last season Bolton’s visit to Vicarage road ended in a 2-1 defeat but Freedman is confident his players are in the right physical condition to take on the Hornets this time.
“When we played Watford at this time last season, I felt that we needed a bit more energy and freshness in the team and I think we go into this game with that.”
Freedman believes this was possible due to the international break coming at a good time for his squad.
“It came at a good time because we had a few injuries and it’s given us time to have a little breather, but then again we were on a great run of form and want to keep it going.
“We’ve given them a bit of time off as well, but we’ve made them understand how to adapt to certain formations.”
The fixture has come too early for some members of Freedman’s squad such as midfielder Mark Davies but the Scot is hopefully they will be ready in the coming weeks.
“I want to bring in the right types who aren’t available just yet, but hopefully they will be next week. With one or two players more, we’ll have a very strong squad.”
A win at Vicarage Road will put down a significant marker for Bolton’s promotion chances but winning at the home of last year’s play-off final runners up will not come easily.
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