Bolton Wanderers host Reading in Match Day Four of the League One Season.
Wanderers head into the game after scoring a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw at Barnsley, with Steven Schumacher promising changes as the season’s schedule gets busier.
The Royals have had a difficult time so far this campaign, losing every game in the league so far. Noel Hunt will be hoping this is the game to turn the form.
Ten Goals for Bolton in Last Two Home Games vs. Reading
| Total | Bolton | Reading | Draw | |
| Games | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Goals | 44 | 20 | 24 |
Both Bolton and Reading have won two of the last five games between the two but its Wanderers that have won the last two home games against the Royals, with both games ending 5-2.
Despite Bolton being on top in their home meetings, its Reading who have won their home meetings including the last game between the two former Premier League sides.
In Schumacher’s first game in charge of the Trotters it was Reading who stopped the Wanderers form, with Harvey Knibbs, who has since moved to Championship side Charlton Athletic, scoring a last-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 win.
Key Stats
- Bolton Wanderers have scored eight goals in their last five games.
- Reading haven’t kept a clean sheet in seven games, a run that goes into last season.
- Bolton Wanderers and Reading haven’t drawn any of their last four meetings.
- Bolton Wanderer’s Amario Cozier-Duberry averages 1.3 shots on target per game, the most for the team.
- Reading have only scored two goals this season.
Bolton Wanderers Team News
Bolton Wanderers are yet to string a true run of form together yet this season, securing a different result in every fixture so far.
Boss Schumacher has promised rotation in order to keep his team fresh, with the likes of Ibrahim Cissoko likely to make his full debut following a 20-minute cameo against Barnsley at the weekend.
Other changes could see Jordi Osei-Tutu return the starting XI, alongside either Aaron Morley or Ethan Erhahon in a packed midfield area as both Josh Sheehan and Xavi Simons have started the last two matches.
Victor Adeboyejo and Kyle Dempsey remain out, whilst Richard Taylor and Sam Dalby have both stepped up their recovery and could appear for the B Team soon, with a view to returning to the first team set up within the next week.
Possible Lineup
Teddy Sharman-Lowe (GK), Jordi Osei-Tutu, Chris Forino, Eoin Toal, Max Conway, Aaron Morley, Xavi Simons, Amario Cozier-Duberry, John McAtee, Ibrahim Cissoko, Mason Burstow
Reading Team News
Noel Hunt’s Reading side are in desperate need of a tun in form. The Royals have conceded at least two goals in every league game this season.
After a rest bite win in the Carabao Cup over Portsmouth, the woes deepened with a 2-1 loss the newly promoted AFC Wimbledon that leaves the team 22nd in the table.
Reading is in need of a spark, but they will not be welcoming any new bodies before this game as the hunt for a new forward continues.
Possible Lineup
Joel Perreira (GK), Ashqar Bishop, Michael Strickland, Finley Burns, Kelvin Abrefa, Kamari Doyle, Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage, Mark O’Mahony, Kelvin Ehibhationhan, Daniel Kyerewaa
Bolton Wanderers vs Reading Prediction
Bolton are desperate to build some form and fire themselves up the table. They have displayed some solid football in the opening games, but mistakes and defensive lapses have led them to feel a little underwhelmed.
It’s true that there’s never a great time to play a team desperate for a win and Reading will be hoping that Wanderers will underestimate them in this game. There’s still a lot of quality in the side, despite the losses this summer.
The Royals will put up a good fight, but Bolton’s level or reinforcements will see them take three points.
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Reading
