Bolton Wanderers go into their Championship clash with Nottingham Forest still looking for their first goal of the campaign in all competitions.
The fact that Forest kept a clean sheet in their last game won't fill them with confidence, but boss Neil Lennon will be aware that he must instruct his side to attack their opponents at the Macron Stadium.
Bolton Wanderers
© Getty Images
With seven new signings through the door, optimism would have been high ahead of the start of the season but already Lennon already has a job on his hands to ensure that the club don't become involved in a relegation battle.
Only three games have been played and Bolton have encountered tough fixtures with Derby County and Middlesbrough, but their lack of goals is an obvious concern and the longer the wait goes, the pressure will continue to build.
Over 30 attempts were created on goal during their games against Derby and the League Cup fixture with Burton Albion, suggesting that there are no issues with the supply, but they are lacking a No.9 who is proven at Championship level.
Winger Wellington Silva has been brought in on loan from Arsenal, but with 11 goals in 132 appearances to his name during his career, he isn't going to improve the side when it comes to finding the back of the net.
There appears little wrong with a defence who have performed superbly apart from a 25-minute spell away at Middlesbrough, but the focus on Saturday will be on scoring a goal, regardless of how it comes about.
Recent form: DLL
Recent form (all competitions): DLLL
Nottingham Forest
© Getty Images
It was only 12 months ago when Dougie Freedman was in the Bolton hotseat and facing similar troubles to Lennon, but despite a slow start, the Scot will be relatively pleased with his squad ahead of their trip to the North-West.
Defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Walsall could have had a demoralising effect at the City Ground, but four points from two home games have got the club back on track as they look to end August on a high.
Freedman has also been boosted by midfielder Henri Lansbury's decision to remain in the East Midlands, and while the situation with Michail Antonio remains unresolved, there at least appears to be a bit more stability regarding their biggest assets.
Their ranks have also been bolstered by the signing of Kyle Ebecilio, who has 10 goals in 60 appearances to his name over the past two years, and if he can transfer that ratio to his new side, he could prove to be an valuable addition.
Forest haven't won on the road since February 28, a run stretching seven games, but with Bolton struggling for points and goals, Freedman has a bit of leeway to push for maximum points on his first return to his former club.
Recent form: LWD
Recent form (all competitions): LLWD
Team News
© Getty Images
Freedman is unlikely to select Antonio while his future is up in the air, with Norwich City the latest club said to have made a bid for his signature.
Ebecilio is likely to find himself on the substitutes' bench with Lansbury continuing in midfield after rejecting a move to Burnley, while Dexter Blackstock and Jamie Ward should start further forward.
Wellington Silva is expected to be given an immediate debut after Lennon revealed that he would have featured at MK Dons had he not missed the registration deadline.
Italian full-back Francesco Pisano, who played for Cagliari last season, will also take his place in the squad, but Lennon may opt to keep the same backline.
Emile Heskey could play in attack after coming off the bench in midweek.
Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Amos, Wilson, Dervite, Gouano, Moxey, Vela, Davies, Danns, Silva, Madine, Heskey
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
De Vries, Lichaj, Mills, Wilson, Mancienne, Burke, Lansbury, Vaughan, Burke, Ward, Blackstock
Head To Head
The two teams have played each other on 48 previous occasions and the head-to-head record is close, with Bolton winning 18 times compared to 16 victories for Forest.
However, the Trotters haven't won since their return to the Championship, with four of the last six contests ending in draws.
Forest have also remained unbeaten on their last four visits to Bolton, with their last loss coming back in 1999.
Video Preview
Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Nottingham Forest
There hasn't been much for Bolton to shout about so far, but we expect them to finally break their scoring duck at the weekend. The fixture should be closely fought, but we are backing them to match their stalemate with Forest's East Midlands rivals Derby on the opening day of the season.
Darren Plant
