Bolton Wanderers host Middlesbrough at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Friday night, with both sides looking to pick up an important result in the EFL Championship.
Bolton head into the game after a 3–1 win away at Wolves and a goalless draw against Southampton.
These results will give Steven Schumacher’s side some confidence, although they face a difficult test against a Middlesbrough team that have been in good form recently.
Middlesbrough will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run and take all three points back to Teesside.
With both teams capable of scoring goals, Friday’s game could be a close contest.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm on Friday, October 23.
Bolton looking to make home advantage count
Bolton will be encouraged by their recent performances, particularly their 3–1 victory over Wolves.
Goals from Atsuki Ito, Sam Dalby and Josh Sheehan helped them secure an impressive away win and showed that they can be dangerous going forward.
They followed this up with a 0–0 draw against Southampton, which was another positive result, especially from a defensive point of view.
However, Bolton will need to be more consistent if they want to compete with the stronger sides in the division.
Their home form has been mixed, and they cannot afford to give Middlesbrough too many opportunities.
Sam Dalby could be an important player for the hosts, especially if Bolton can get the ball into the box regularly.
Josh Sheehan will also be key in midfield, where his passing ability could help Bolton create chances and penetrate Boro’s defence
Playing in front of their own supporters should give the Wanderers a boost, but they will need a strong performance across the pitch to get anything from this game.
Middlesbrough aiming to continue their good form
Middlesbrough travel to Bolton with plenty of confidence after some positive results in recent weeks.
Their 3–2 win away at Stoke City showed their attacking quality, while a 2–2 draw with Cardiff City demonstrated that they can stay in games even when things do not go their way.
Under Kim Hellberg, Boro have looked a threat going forward, with several players capable of making a difference in the final third.
Will Lankshear, the current top goalscorer, is one to watch as his movement and finishing could cause problems for the Bolton defence.
Amario Cozier-Duberry also offers pace and creativity, which could be useful against a Bolton side that may leave space when pushing forward.
Middlesbrough will probably look to control possession and put pressure on the hosts early in the game.
If they can settle quickly and take their chances, they will have a good opportunity to come away with a win.
Team news
Bolton will be hoping to have as many players available as possible for this important fixture.
Chris Forino has been reported as a fitness concern after suffering a groin problem, so his availability will be worth monitoring before kick-off.
Dalby is likely to be an option up front, while Sheehan could play an important role in midfield.
Ito will also be hoping to build on his recent performances and provide a threat in attack.
For Middlesbrough, Alfie Jones has been a reported defensive concern.
Kim Hellberg will have to consider his options at the back, while there could also be a decision to make over who leads the line.
Lankshear is among the attacking players competing for a starting place, with Tommy Conway another possible option.
The final team selections will depend on the latest fitness updates, so both sides’ line-ups should be confirmed closer to kick-off.
Predicted line-ups
Bolton could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two midfielders providing cover and the attacking players supporting Dalby up front.
Bolton predicted XI: Bazunu; Larrazabal, Toal, Brunt, Famewo; Sheehan, Stephenson; Ito, Simons, Gale; Dalby.
Middlesbrough could use a 3-4-2-1 formation, allowing their wing-backs to push forward while their attacking midfielders support the striker.
Middlesbrough predicted XI: Vitek; Ayling, Phillips, Malanda; Brittain, Morris, Berhalter, Borges; Cozier-Duberry, Conway; Lankshear.
Score prediction
Bolton Wanderers 1–2 Middlesbrough
By Elliot Desage
