Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman has targeted Saturday’s clash with Birmingham as the game that kick-starts his side’s push for the top six.
The under-fire manager has failed to win a match this season and Wanderers currently sit second bottom of the SkyBet Championship after ten games.
Former manager Owen Coyle was sacked after the same number of games last season after winning three games and drawing two.
However, Freedman believes his side can take three points against Birmingham that will ignite their season.
“Birmingham are a very good team,” Freedman said.
“If we apply ourselves properly we can certainly go there and win. We’re still targeting the top six.
“I will not accept the position we are in right now. We have changed the attitude of the squad and that is showing.”
Should Bolton claim all three points on Saturday against the 17th placed Birmingham it will be their first league win in 12 attempts.
However, they will have to take the points without left-back Marc Tierney who fractured his foot last weekend and will be out until the New Year.
Tierney aside, Freedman has no new injury concerns ahead of the televised clash.
Birmingham are expected to start on-loan Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard who has scored five goals in his first three games for the club.
Freedman is hopeful the hard work will start to translate into a change of fortunes.
“I feel the game at Blackpool was a sign that we’re beginning to turn the corner,” Freedman said.
“Our performances of late have been very good but sometimes in football results don’t quite go your way.
“The key is to keep on working hard and make sure you prepare properly and that is what we have done.”
Bolton have the better of the head to head record between the two sides having won 48 of the 119 matches compared to Birmingham’s 39.
Both teams won their home fixtures last season with Bolton winning the most recent meeting at The Reebok in December.
Image courtesy of BWFC Official via YouTube , with thanks
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