Bolton Wanderers host Plymouth Argyle in their first home game of the League One season.
The Trotters started their campaign with a 2-0 loss at Stockport County and boss Steven Schumacher will be hoping the home crowd can help his side get their first points on the board.
As for Argyle, life under new manager Tom Cleverly did not start as hoped, as the newly relegated side lost 3-1 to Barnsley on opening day.
Plymouth Have Bolton’s Number in Recent Meetings
| Total | Bolton | Plymouth | Draw | |
| Games | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Goals | 11 | 4 | 7 |
Unfortunately for Bolton, other than a EFL Trophy win, they haven’t beaten Plymouth in the league. In fact, the Pilgrims have beaten Wanderers on all but one occasion in the league with their biggest win, 3-0, coming on a very wet day in October 2021.
Luckily for the Whites, in the pairs last matchup, that EFL Trophy Final, they ran out 4-0 winners at Wembley, beating the team’s now manager, Schumacher.
Key Stats
- Plymouth Argyle have only failed to beat Bolton Wanderers once in the league.
- Bolton Wanderers Amario Cozier-Duberry has the most shots on target for the club this season.
- Ethan Erhahon leads Bolton in big chances created, despite only having a short cameo against Stockport County.
- Plymouth Argyle haven’t kept a clean sheet in nine games, a run that expands well into last season.
- Whilst Plymouth Argyle have been dominant against Bolton Wanderers, they have failed to score in the last two meetings between the clubs.
Bolton Wanderers Team News
Bolton have no new injury news heading into the weekend and whilst this game will come too soon for him, new signing Sam Dalby is reportedly close to a return with a chance to feature in a weeks’ time.
On Tuesday, Ethan Erhahon and Thierry Gale both featured for Wanderers B Team, both were used substitutes in the loss at Stockport.
The Trotters would have liked to have another striker through door for this game but that hasn’t materialised so changes to the starting XI could be limited with Schumacher impressed with how the team performed in the first half of their last game.
Possible Line-up:
Teddy Sharman-Lowe (GK), Josh Dacres-Cogley, Eoin Toal, Chris Forino, Max Conway, Xavi Simons, Aaron Morley, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Joel Randall, Thierry Gale, Mason Burstow
Plymouth Argyle Team News
Like Bolton, Plymouth tasted defeat in their first game of the season.
The Argyle head into this game with no new injuries but could welcome back Bim Pipple, who missed the team’s last game.
Also like the Wanderers, boss Cleverley had hoped to have added a striker to his squad before this game, but they haven’t been able to secure a transfer at this stage.
Possible Line-up:
Luca Ashby-Hammond (GK), Victor Palsson, Kornel Szucs, Brendon Galloway, Ayman Benarous, Jamie Patterson, Malachi Boateng, Bradley Ibrahim, Bali Mumba, Bim Pipple, Caleb Watts
Bolton Wanderers vs. Plymouth Argyle Prediction
At this early stage of the season, any game is hard to call.
Both teams are chasing bounce back wins after what will no doubt have been some uncomfortable dressing rooms last week.
Bolton showed spells of brilliance in their last match but failed to switch on at the back when it came to set pieces and crosses. If they can tighten up and take some chance, they have a real shot at ending their Argyle league hoodoo.
For Plymouth, it’s really about making things click. Whilst Cleverley would like some additions, this squad is good enough to compete and should be leaving Bolton with at least a point.
A tight game with two teams finding their feet in the early season, I’m taking Bolton but only just.
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Plymouth Argyle
