🗞️ Preview: Southend United vs Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers head to Essex on Saturday afternoon to face Southend United at Roots Hall in buoyant mood after winning their previous two Sky Bet League Two fixtures.

Pre-Match Quotes: 

Ian Evatt: “Southend have certainly got threats and have got some good results so we’re not going to rest on our laurels and take it for granted.

“We’re going to go there full tilt and try and win the game and respect the opposition. I thought they were a much better team than what people give credit for.

"I thought even the 3-0 game at the University of Bolton Stadium, they had a chance at 0-0 that Matt (Gilks) saved and the game could have been completely different had it gone in.

“We have to respect them, which we certainly will, and go there and give the best we can and try and get three points.”

Mark Moseley: "The last couple of games we’ve shown the right credentials, but we’re also haunted by the previous results before that.

"Football serves a quick reminder if you ever get too far ahead of yourself.

"We have a mammoth game in front of us. Bolton Wanderers; what a big Football Club that is.

"Another manager [Ian Evatt] who has done very well and plays a very distinct style of football. It’s another tough challenge.”

How to Watch:

Wanderers supporters can watch the clash with Southend United by purchasing an iFollow BWFC video match pass for just £10 so you don’t have to miss a kick.

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.

Team News:

Captain Antoni Sarcevic will be available for selection after returning to full fitness following a spell on the sidelines.

The midfielder suffered a groin injury during the game against Tranmere Rovers in January and has been recuperating ever since.

There are no fresh injury concerns from the midweek win at Mansfield, so manager Ian Evatt will have a selection headache on his hands.

Striker Nile Ranger could be involved for Southend after joining the club on a month-to-month contract.

He’s been training with the Blues for several weeks in a bid to earn a contract.

Former Wanderer Jacob Mellis may also feature after recently penning a deal for the club.

Bookies Odds:

Southend United win: 14/5

Draw: 23/10

Bolton Wanderers win: 19/20

Correct as of 19/02/2021 (10am) on skybet.com

Form:

Wanderers have lost just once in their last six league encounters and come into the weekend’s game on the back of two successive victories against Stevenage at home and an away win at Mansfield on Wednesday evening.

Southend are unbeaten in their last two which halted a four-game losing streak.

Last time out:

The two teams last met at the beginning of December at the University of Bolton Stadium where Ian Evatt’s men ran out 3-0 winners. 

Goals from Nathan Delfouneso and a double from Eoin Doyle sealed an emphatic win for Wanderers.

Match Officials:

Referee: Declan Bourne.

Assistant Referees: Paul Lister and Paul Kelly.  

Fourth Official: Anthony Da Costa.