Bolton Wanderers vs AFC Barrow - match preview

Can Ian Evatt come out victorious against his former side?

 On Tuesday night, Bolton Wanderers take on AFC Barrow in the opening round of the EFL Carabao cup at the Toughsheet stadium. The League Two side, Barrow, won their opening fixture against Tranmere Rovers - winning 2-1 away from home but Bolton Wanderers will be a different type of test. They have been on the up since Evatt was at the club and he set them up for a good future, this year they will be looking to challenge for promotion

Bolton Wanderers team news 

The injury situation remains the same for the Wanderers with George Johnston looking like he will miss the majority ,if not all, of this season. Eoin Toal could make his return from injury in this fixture but it may be too early in his recovery plans, if he is fit it is unlikely he will be risked from the start and may have minutes from the bench. However, this fixture could be the perfect time to embed some of the new signings, like Forrester and Ashworth. This competition will not be a priority and therefore key players may also be rested to reduce the risk of injury. 

AFC Barrow team news

AFC Barrow nearly have a completely full squad to pick from, with all being fully fit, apart from summer signing Mazeed Ogunbo. Ogunbo joined the club from Arsenal on a season long loan but will miss the first three months of the season after picking up an injury during the pre season campaign. Barrow have been busy in the summer window, bringing in ten signings: Dean Campbell from Aberdeen, David Worrall from Port Vale, Jamie Proctor from Port Vale, Cortney Duffus from Morecambe, Junior Tiensia from Solihull Moors, Owen Bray from Leeds United, Sean Etaluku from AFC Mossley, Kian Spence from Halifax, Emile Acquah from Maidenhead United and Mazeed Ogunbo from Arsenal. 

AFC Barrow tactics and predicted eleven

Against Tranmere Rovers, Barrow lined up with a 352 formation and will most likely use this same formation against Bolton. They are not a team that like to dominate the ball and Bolton will dominate possession on Tuesday night, this plays into Evatt's favour. Barrow place a lot of emphasis on their crosses to score their goals and while they don't average a lot of crosses per 90, they are effective when they use them. Barrow's biggest strength is their set piece delivery in the form of corners and long throws from Rory Feeley. They have tall, strong players who can win the first ball and then players, like Spence, can attack the second ball and volley home. Ricardo Santos will be key for Bolton, using his strength and aerial ability to neutralise their biggest threat. 

How Bolton can win this game

Barrow's biggest weakness appears to be the aggression of their press/ their centre backs. Patient attacking play can expose this incredibly well, this could be a great opportunity for Paris Maghoma and Carlos Mendes Gomes to show their talent. In addition, they struggle to clear their lines defensively so the poacher instincts of the strikers will be required to win this game. The low crosses across the box from out wide are a big struggle for Barrow and the wing backs of Bolton will be crucial in the outcome of this game. 

This is the eleven that I would go with, it gives starts to Forrester, Maghoma, Ashworth and Mendes Gomes against a team that Bolton should definitely beat. Baxter keeps his place but Coleman could come in if he is a cup goalkeeper, Iredale and Santos keep their place but Forrester comes in to help him settle in. Dacres Cogley also stays in the team to elongate his settling in period and Ashworth comes in for his first minutes for the club. Thomason earns a start after impressing off the bench and Maghoma comes in against a club he played against last season, with Mendes Gomes ahead but I wouldn't be surprised if Dempsey keeps his place. I have the same strike force as last game but new permanent signing, Nlundulu could come in for his first minutes as a full time Bolton player. 

I am predicting a 3-0 win for Bolton against AFC Barrow on Tuesday night, the home advantage and the league difference should be enough for a rotated team to still come out victorious.