Preview: Five talking points ahead of Bolton Wanderers v Oldham Athletic

bwfc.co.uk previews Saturday's match as Wanderers welcome the Latics to Macron Stadium

Wanderers host Oldham Athletic on Saturday as they welcome the Latics to Macron Stadium for the very first time. With the Whites coming into the match off the back of successive victories, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of this weekend's game.



1. Local derby
Having already faced local-rivals Blackpool, Fleetwood Town and Rochdale so far this season, Saturday's game presents another derby clash for Wanderers as they host Oldham Athletic at BL6.

The two sides haven't clashed competitively since an FA Cup encounter in January 2005, while the last time they met in the league came back in April 1997.

Boasting the superior record in this fixture with 26 victories to Oldham's 14, the Whites will be eager to come out on top and claim local bragging rights as they prepare to reacquaint themselves with the Latics.

2. Oldham's first visit to Macron Stadium
With Bolton last hosting Oldham back in October 1996, this weekend's clash also marks the Latics' first ever visit to Macron Stadium.

The Trotters ran out 3-1 winners in the last clash between the two sides at Burnden Park thanks to goals from Michael Johansen and a John McGinlay brace.

After losing their unbeaten home record in the league against Oxford United at the start of the month, Wanderers will be keen to deliver in front of their home fans this time around.

And with local-bragging rights up for grabs, the Whites will be looking to ensure they come out on top as the two sides meet at BL6 for the first time.

3. Away following
Oldham are expecting to bring over 1,500 travelling fans on Saturday, with their fans also able to buy tickets on the day.

Despite a slow start to the season, the Latics clinched a late victory over Gillingham in their last outing.

And with the visitors eager to maintain momentum coming into this weekend's meeting, the scene is set for another special atmosphere at Macron Stadium.

4. The league winless run is over
After ending their eight-game winless run against Blackpool in the Checkatrade Trophy, Bolton followed it up with another 1-0 victory last weekend away at Swindon Town as they returned to winning ways in Sky Bet League One.

Now coming into Saturday's game off the back of not only successive victories, but successive clean sheets as well, the Trotters will be hopeful for another positive showing as they look to ensure that last month's blip is now firmly behind them.

5. No new injury concerns
Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Wanderers have no new injury concerns heading into Saturday's outing.

The gaffer is hopeful that James Henry will be fit to feature having limped off against Swindon last week, while he confirmed that Max Clayton has completed a full week of training but is not yet ready to return.

With the Whites' injury list beginning to shorten, competition for places is set to get stronger than ever as Bolton continue to welcome players back into the first team reckoning.

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