Bolton make their bow in this season’s Milk Cup/Coca-Cola Cup/Capital One Cup, whatever you want to call it, with a first round tie at Blackpool (who we also drew in the group stage for the EFL Farce)
Blackpool have somehow managed to have a more torrid time than us in recent years, dropping from the top flight to League Two in the space of five years.
Nevertheless, Pool got off to a very good start under new boss Gary Bowyer with a 2-0 win over Exeter on Saturday so this won’t necessarily be a walk in the park.
Vital Quotes
‘Last season was difficult for everyone. We have to put that behind us now and right some wrongs.’
Jay Spearing after Saturday. And they started to do that in fairness.
Blackpool Team News:
Danny Philliskirk won’t be risked after picking up an unjury on Saturday, Kyle Vassell, who scored on hs debut, took a knock but could well feature.
Player to watch: Andy Taylor
The left-back was a key part of Walsall’s fortunes in the last few years, playing 140 games in a four year spell. Doesn’t score often, but can’t hit a mean free kick. He joined the Tangerines this summer and is already vice captain.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Lewis Buxton and David Wheater are likely to be rested for this. Ben Amos may get a go between the sticks after missing out on Saturday. We’re all still waiting on how bad Darren Pratley’s injury will be. Expect some changes, certainly
Player to watch: Ben Amos
I think he will play in this game, and everyone will be looking at his reaction after Mark Howard was given the nod in the opening league game of the season.
Match Facts & Stats
This is our first meeting since November 2014, when Lee Chung-yong scored a late equaliser at Bloomfield Road in a 1-1 draw.
We have course reached the final of the League Cup twice, in 1995 and 2004.
Blackpool have an horrendous recent record in this cup, not winning a tie since 2009. Their best run was to the semi-finals in the second season of the competition: 1961-62
Match Prediction:
Could be an awkward one, but I think we should just have enough to win in 90 minutes. 2-1 to Bolton.
Next Fixtures:
Two away games in the space of a few days, with Wimbledon on Saturday, then Bristol Rovers a week on Wednesday