Ricketts feeling the pressure
February 06, 2012 14:11:23 UK
Bolton defender Sam Ricketts has admitted the Trotters are starting to feel the pressure ahead of the relegation six-pointer with Wigan on Saturday.
Bolton slipped into the bottom three at the weekend after a 2-0 defeat at Norwich, Wolves leapfrogging them thanks to their win at QPR.
Saturday's loss at Carrow Road was Bolton's 16th of the season and leaves them a point from safety ahead of a massive game with north-west rivals Wigan.
The Latics are currently rooted to the foot of the league and are also in desperate need of the points in their bid to escape the relegation zone.
With 14 games left the pressure is beginning to build on the teams at the bottom to pick up points and move towards the magical 40-point mark which usually guarantees safety.
It's going to be chop and change at the bottom all the way to the end of the season.
Sam Ricketts
Bolton will have to double their current tally if they are to make sure of another season of top flight football and Ricketts admits the pressure is beginning to tell after slipping back into the relegation zone.
"Next weekend was always going to be a big game, because it's a local derby, and with the situation both teams find themselves in," said the 30-year-old.
"It's going to be chop and change at the bottom all the way to the end of the season.
"This is a setback, but we have players coming back from injuries and new signings, so we need to dust ourselves down and get back to the level we've been at recently."
Wigan are 26.00 to drop into the Championship this season, with Bolton 1.36 to follow them.
Bolton are 2.10 to beat Wigan on Saturday, with the Latics 3.60 to pick up a rare away win while the draw is 3.30.
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