Bolton Wanderers vs Lincoln City preview - team news, predicted eleven, score prediction and more
Bolton begin the 23/24 season with optimism about their chances for promotion, a win in their opening game could give them confidence to push on for the automatic places. With home advantage, Bolton will look to use the atmosphere of the Toughsheet community stadium to claim three points over Lincoln City.
Team News
Bolton Wanderers have been very busy in the transfer market so far, bringing in eight first team players and a B team player (Matheson), leading to the potential for a lot of changes in their starting line-up. With two new signings in between the sticks it isn't clear who Evatt favours, however Nathan Baxter (former Chelsea player) will likely get the nod ahead of Joel Coleman.
The defensive situation is very interesting with new signings and injuries affecting the decision: Johnston will miss this game with a knee injury, Eoin Toal is on his way back from an ankle injury but this game could come too soon and Will Forrester is unproven as a starter for a promotion-challenging team. Two new wingbacks have come in, Zac Ashworth and Josh Dacres-Cogley (playing on the left and right side respectively), both will look to come in as a starter but will either? With the form of Randell Williams and the loyalty to Gethin Jones, it could be difficult to nail a place immediately.
The midfield selection will also require a lot of thought from Evatt, with only three positions to choose from and 6 potential options it won't be an easy choice. New loanee, Paris Maghoma will look to show his technical ability at his first opportunity - being able to find attackers effortlessly from any range, he definitely has assists in his locker. Also, Kyle Dempsey will look to build upon his pre season form; despite having to fight for his place with new signing Carlos Mendes Gomes (former Luton Town player).
Finally the front two, this is arguably the toughest choice of them all for Evatt. Dion Charles will likely retain his place trough the middle but who will play alongside him? Jon Dadi Bodvarsson will likley be unavailable for this game, after picking up a hamstring injury against Salford City. This leaves new permanent signing Dan Nlundulu, Victor Adeboyejo and Cameron Jerome to choose from, Mendes Gomes is also an option, however this isn't expected.
Predicted Eleven
With the injuries at the back for Bolton, the options are limited and some players may have to play out of their comfort zone. Will new signings be given a chance or will Evatt stick with the players he already knows and trusts? Based on pre-season and recent interviews, I believe that Evatt will start this team.
Only two new signings would be coming into the team but a slow pathway into the team can help new players settle in and make their transition seem smooth and easy. This team would leave a very strong bench, while having a strong xi - a characteristic that all the best teams have.
Score prediction
There is no doubt that Bolton are favourites in the opening day fixture, Evatt will be looking to begin his campaign with a win. Lincoln placed eleventh last season with 62 points, compared to Bolton who finished fifth on 81 points and won the EFL Papa John's trophy. They will look to continue on the journey back to the Premier League and a win against Lincoln is almost a must. That being said, I am going to predict a 2-1 win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium with Bolton coming out victors in a deserved win. To score will be Dion Charles and Kyle Dempsey, before Lincoln score late in the second half. It will be a good performance but one that shows signs of a new team who need to bond and gel before a good run of form can start.
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