Bolton vs Wrexham Prediction: A Sunday roast for Hollywood’s stars

Two of League 1’s big guns meet on Sunday as Bolton Wanderers host Wrexham at the Toughsheet Community Stadium (15:00, Sky Sports Football). Bolton missed out on promotion last term in the most heart-breaking fashion, with a play-off final loss to Oxford at Wembley, while the Welsh side were celebrating after securing promotion to the third tier by finishing second in League 2. 

Below you can find my Bolton vs Wrexham prediction, with betting tips and match odds. 

Team News

After an away win at Leyton Orient, Bolton boss Ian Evatt could well name the same team as he did last weekend. However, John McAtee could join Dion Charles and Aaron Collins in attack from the start, while the manager has also heaped praise on physical striker Victor Adeboyejo. Ricardo Santos will continue at the heart of the back three. 

Jacob Mendy is edging closer to a return for Wrexham after his injury lay-off, while talisman Paul Mullin remains sidelined following his summer surgery. James McClean was the only player who kept his place in the Carabao Cup in midweek, so expect the other 10 to come back in for Phil Parkinson. Sebastian Revan is pushing for a start, while Dan Scarr is also under consideration after his move from Plymouth Argyle. 

Bolton vs Wrexham Odds

Bolton are priced at 10/11 to win this game, with Wrexham available at 11/4. A draw is also 11/4, over 2.5 goals is 4/6 and BTTS is 8/13.

Bolton to win @ 10/11

Now I think Wrexham will do alright this term, but I’m not getting on-board their promotion express. Instead, I’m backing the team I think should be challenging Birmingham City for the title this season in the form of Bolton. I think they are a seriously good League 1 side, and were unfortunate to miss out on promotion last term. 

Since then, they’ve retained almost all of their key players, added the likes of McAtee and Scott Arfield, and Evatt remains one of the strongest managers, with a clear philosophy, in this league. I think they remain some way clear of Wrexham, who should be targeting a top-half finish before pushing for automatic promotion in the future. Home win. 

Over 3.5 goals @ 7/4

I’m excited about this game, live on Sky Sports, and I’m expecting a decent amount of goals. I’ve already touched upon Bolton’s embarrassment of riches when it comes to attacking talent, and they have scored in all but one of their last 11 matches, stretching back to last season. 

The one that mattered most, the play-off final, saw them draw a blank against a brilliantly coached Oxford United outfit, but I’m expecting them to challenge Birmingham this season in terms of goalscoring prowess. After some crazy scorelines in League 2, I’d expect Wrexham to calm down slightly at a higher level, but so far they have shown no signs of slowing.

They beat Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 in their opener, and then were beaten 4-2 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the League Cup. A simply bonkers team, but they should produce an entertaining clash on Sunday afternoon. 

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 6+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

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