Preview: Ipswich Town v Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers take on Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship at Portman Road. With that said, bwfc.co.uk have picked out five talking point ahead of the fixture.

1. New faces

In the summer of 2018, the Tractor Boys have brought in an abundance of notable players in on permanent and loan deals.

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Gwion Edwards has been brought in from Peterborough United on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The former Wales U21 international has spent the majority of his career in Sky Bet League One and Two prior to his move to Suffolk.

He does have prior experience playing in the Europa League to his name, as he played for Scottish side St. Johnstone against the likes of Rosenborg BK and FC Minsk.

The duo of defender Janoi Donacien and striker Kayden Jackson have both been brought in from Accrington Stanley, both for undisclosed fees.

Joining initially on loan with a full transfer going through in January, Donacien has featured regularly under Paul Hurst this season.

Coming in slightly later that the Saint Lucian right back, Jackson had a rise to prominence during his time at the Wham Stadium.

He scored 16 goals in 44 league games for Stanley, which prompted the Tractor Boys to take note and sign the 24-year-old.

On the loan front, Matthew Pennington has been brought in on a season-long loan to sure up the defence.

Capped at England Under 19 level, Pennington spent time with Coventry City in 2014/15, where he made the right impression clearly after winning the Young Player of the Year award.

Nineteen-year-old Trevor Chalobah has also joined Paul Hurt’s men for the season from Chelsea.

Brother of Watford’s Nathaniel Chalobah, Trevor has played at all youth levels up to Under 19 with England.

He was part of the England Under 19 squad that won the 2017 UEFA Under-19 European Championships.

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Former Wanderers striker Jonathan Walters joined up with the Tractor Boys on loan until January from his parent club Burnley.

During his spell with the Whites, he made just six appearances from 2002 to 2004.

Walters joined up with Ipswich way back in 2007, where he made on 130 bows for the club and was named their Player of the Year in his debut season.

2. New man in charge

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Since last season, a managerial shakeup has taken place at Portman Road.

Mick McCarthy left in April 2018 and Paul Hurst took over a month later.

After spending his entire professional playing career at Rotherham United, Hurst managed the likes of Ilkeston Town, Boston United and Grimsby Town.

This earned him a move to Shrewsbury Town in October 2016.

This was a great period in both Hurst’s career, as he led his side to runner-up in the EFL Trophy in 2017/18, as well as earning League One Manager of the Year the same season after the Shrews finished third in Sky Bet League One.

3. Travel Information

Wanderers fans who are travelling to Ipswich Town on Saturday are advised there will be a full 24-hour closure on the M6 between junctions 14 and 15 from 8pm on Saturday.

Furthermore, a reminder that supporters are advised that there will be a rail replacement service from Liverpool Street railway station to Ipswich.

4. Opponent’s current form

Looking at the Sky Bet Championship standings, Ipswich currently sit bottom of the league.

With four points to their name, the Tractor Boys’ form is cut right down the middle.

Away on their travels, they are yet to pick up a point in four league games.

However at Portman Road, they are unbeaten in four games with all of their home fixtures so far ending in draws.

In their last game, they earned a draw with high flying Brentford, with Kayden Jackson scoring late on to secure a point for Paul Hurst’s men.

5. Pay on the day is available

Wanderers supporters will be able to buy tickets on the turnstiles, at Portman Road, on Saturday afternoon.

Tickets can be purchased on a cash only basis. There is no increase in ticket prices on the day.

Ticket Prices:

  • Adults - £25
  • Over-65s - £22
  • Under-23s - £15
  • Under-19s - £8
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