Bolton play their second group game of the EFL Trophy tomorrow night when a crowd of thousands, sorry a thousand, will see the Whites lock horns with Blackpool.
It might be the case that nobody actually cares, but if we do lose we’re more or less out of this competition, having lost our first game.
More importantly, it might be a less pressurised environment where our players can learn how to create and take chances once again.
Vital Quotes:
‘We were beaten at the weekend. It’s important there’s a game straight away, get it out of our systems, and win the game tomorrow night.’
Josh Vela, saying what he has to say.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
As ever in this mess of a tournament, both teams have to name a certain amount of players from the previous game. Dean Moxey is probably out with a groin problem.
Alex Perry and Jack Earing played against Everton’s reserves last month and could well feature again. Phil Parkinson will likely rotate as much as he can.
Player to watch: Josh Vela
Vela captained the team in the last group game, and signed a new contract last week. He was unwell against Rochdale and wasn’t great on Saturday, so here he has a chance to get a good game in prior to Saturday.
Blackpool Team News:
Sam Slocombe, Danny Pugh and Jack Redshaw are all out. Clark Robertson and Andy Taylor came off early in recent matches, so neither are likely to be risked.
Player to watch: Kyle Vassell
Blackpool’s top scorer, with three in the league, plus he scored both their goals in their first Trophy game against Cheltenham last month.
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton’s only wins against Blackpool in recent years both came in the 2013-14 season, with two home wins in the FA Cup and league.
This is the second cup meeting between the teams this season. Blackpool won an EFL Cup first round tie at Bloomfield Road 4-2 in extra time.
Blackpool are 16th in the League Two table. They have only won one away game this season, 3-0 at Yeovil.
Bolton will be eliminated if they lose (whether in 90 minutes or penalties), and Everton’s kids beat Cheltenham (again either in 90 minutes or a shootout)
Match Prediction:
A scrappy 1-0 Bolton win.
Next Fixtures:
An away game to Swindon on Saturday, then a game against Oldham at home a week on Saturday.