In-form Bolton Wanderers head down to Northampton Town as they look to continue their winning run against a team that has only lost one match in their last five.
Whilst Steven Schumacher’s side have won four of their last five matches, they have not won away since beating Wigan Athletic towards the end of last season, Kevin Nolan’s Northampton will be looking to keep that run going.
The Cobblers have turned their early season troubles around and head into this game on the back of a 3-0 win in the Vertu Trophy.
Dominant Bolton in Recent Games vs Northampton Town
| Total | Northampton | Bolton | Draw | |
| Games | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Goals | 19 | 6 | 13 |
It’s been all Bolton in games against Northampton, with the Cobblers failing to register a win over the Trotters.
Former Wanderer Nolan will be desperate to change that record but in his one chance last season, failed to do so with Bolton winning 3-1 thanks to goals George Thomason and Aaron Collins.
For Schumacher’s Whites this represents a game they believe they can win to continue climbing the table. Expectations are high at Bolton and whilst they haven’t been winning every game, things are beginning to click, and they look a dangerous side.
Key Stats
- Northampton Town have scored seven goals in their last five games in all competitions.
- Mason Burstow is Bolton Wanderer’s top scorer with five goals this season.
- Dean Campbell has created the most big chances for Northampton Town this season with two.
- Bolton Wanderers have scored 12 goals in their last five fixtures in all competitions.
- Northampton Town haven’t beaten Bolton Wanderers in their last six attempts.
Northampton Town Team News
The Cobblers returned to winning ways midweek, beating Chelsea’s Academy 3-0 in the Vertu Trophy. Boss Nolan, who made nine changes to the team, was pleased with the performance but put emphasis on winning in the league against his former club.
“One of my old clubs, lots of loyalty and love for that club but it won’t be on Saturday. I am looking forward to it, I want to get back to winning ways in the league as well,” Nolan told the club channels.
“It is really important, I have just said to the lads, that the attention switches to Bolton and what we want to do.
“Thursday and Friday is really important in those moments to make sure we are ready, raring to go and righting the wrongs of what we saw on Saturday.” Via Northampton Town.
Eliott List, who scored in the 3-0 win in midweek, was taken off at half-time with a suspected hamstring injury but will be available on Saturday with the injury not being serious.
Possible Lineup:
Lee Burge (GK), Jack Perkins, Max Dyche, Conor McCarthy, Jordan Thorniley, Dean Campbell, Sam Hoskins, Tyrese Fornah, Eliott List, Cameron McGeehan
Bolton Wanderers Team News
Wanderers continued their winning form, beating Manchester City’s Academy 3-0 in the week in a game where midfielder Kyle Dempsey made his much-anticipated return from injury.
Cyrus Christie, who also featured, is close to being available for league games as he returns to full fitness.
Elsewhere Will Forrester and Victor Adeboyejo both stepped up their recoveries and could be available by the end of the year with boss Schumacher saying the pair will have a part to play in Bolton’s story this season.
After 10 changes for the game in midweek, the Trotters are expected to return to much of the same team that dominated local rivals Wigan Athletic last weekend.
Possible Lineup:
Teddy Sharman-Lowe (GK), Max Conway, George Johnston, Chris Forino, Josh Dacres-Cogley, Ethan Erhahon, Xavi Simons, Thierry Gale, Marcus Forss, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Mason Burstow
Northampton Town vs Bolton Wanderers Prediction
Any away trip in League One is never easy and Bolton Wanderers know all about that, having failed to secure an away win this season. That being said they have only lost one of those away games and have been improving as a team week in, week out.
For Northampton Town, they need to get last week’s 2-0 loss to Wycombe Wanderers out of their minds fast. Bolton present a team in the ascendency, regardless of their away record.
Nolan’s side have been finding their feet in recent games but will need a together performance to stop the Trotters torturing them on the wing.
Something tells me Northampton will score in this game, but I have Bolton securing their first away win of the campaign in a hard fought 90 minutes.
Prediction: Northampton Town 1-2 Bolton Wanderers
