🗞️ Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs Grimsby Town

Wanderers return to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday afternoon when they host Grimsby Town at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Wanderers will be buoyed by their league victory away against Harrogate Town last weekend where goals from Eoin Doyle and Nathan Delfouneso saw them pick up three points at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Pre-Match Quotes: 

Ian Evatt: “I know their Ian Holloway better than anybody and I know he will have them fit, firing and ready to go, no question about it. I do think it will be a game where if we have possession of the ball and move them accordingly and tire them out we should have a physical advantage after 60 minutes, there’s no two ways about that.

“We have played more games, trained more, but we have to make sure we utilise that by moving the ball, keeping it away from them, and then in the last half-hour take over the game and win it.

“That’s how I see it being played, however, we have to actually do it.

“I’d love to build on the win against Harrogate and a very positive performance in midweek at Shrewsbury.

“Ollie is a great character but because he has a bit of a joke and a laugh, or uses the odd analogy here and there, people just don’t give him any credit for his tactical nous.

“He knows the game really well and he’s one of those guys who inspires with the way he lives his life in general. His wife, Kim, his family, they are inspirational people and I can’t speak highly enough of him and what he did for me.

“Myself and Matt Gilks were talking recently and it will be great to pitch ourselves against him. We want to win, obviously, but first and foremost it will be great to see him because he was great for us in our careers and taught me so much.”

How to watch:

Supporters can watch the game live on iFollow BWFC by purchasing a £10 match pass.

An iFollow BWFC video match pass will ensure supporters do not miss a minute of the action, with the entire match streamed through any compatible laptop, computer, tablet or mobile device in the United Kingdom.

Click here for more information

Team News:

Ian Evatt faces a possible selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s afternoon’s clash against the Mariners.

Following their victory against Harrogate in the league, Wanderers fielded nine changes in their midweek EFL Trophy tie against Shrewsbury.

Although the Shrews ran out winners, Evatt was pleased with Wanderers’ performance and in particular with that of the younger players in the squad.

Alex Baptiste could also return to the fray after returning to fitness.

Bookies Odds:

Bolton Wanderers win: 1/1

Draw: 5/2

Grimsby Town win: 11/5

Correct as of 9/10/2020 (4am) on skybet.com

Last time out:

The two clubs last met in the Football League in 2001 where they shared a 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium. Goals from Gudni Bergsson and Bo Hansen earned Sam Allardyce’s men a point on their way to an eventual promotion to the Premier League courtesy of a play-off final victory against Preston North End at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

They have played each other 62 times in all competitions with Wanderers edging the head to head encounters with 26 victories to their name against Town’s 17.

Form:

Wanderers come into the game following a midweek defeat in the EFL Trophy at Shrewsbury Town, but will be high on confidence following a morale-boosting 2-1 win against Harrogate Town last weekend.

Grimsby have been without football for a couple of weeks after a spell in isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test in the group. Prior to that, they lost their first two league fixtures of the season, away at Walsall and at home to Salford City. 

Match Officials:

Referee: Samuel Barrott

Assistant Referees: Andrew Hendley and Danny Gratton

Fourth Official: Christopher Ward