It’ll be the battle of the Wanderers this Saturday, as Wycombe take on Bolton at Adams Park.
It’ll only be the third-ever meeting between the two sides and the second to take place at the home of the Chairboys, with Gareth Ainsworth’s men in desperate need of a morale-boosting victory.
Wycombe have lost their last four home matches and are winless in six in all competitions.
Gareth: “There’s no throwing teacups from me. We’ll come in on Thursday and prepare in the best way possible for Bolton. We take this on the chin and move on. I’m really proud of where we are as a club.” #WYCvHAR
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) November 16, 2021
This includes being knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two Hartlepool United.
The Trotters, who are in back in League One after a year out, were too dumped out of the competition by lower league opposition in Stockport County, and are on a run of two wins from their last six.
So, how will it go on Saturday?
I spoke to Marc Iles from the Bolton News to get his views.
1. How happy have you been with Bolton’s start of the season?
MI: “Relatively happy.
“They got off to a great start, scored plenty of goals, but things took a dip in October which may be checked some of the more excitable folk.
“In fairness, that did coincide with a run of bad injuries, which are now clearing.
“Getting back to winning ways against Crewe was a big step.
Seen the very best and the very worst of Bolton Wanderers inside a week. No forgiving a performance like that - anger understandable. But it had better motivate the squad to improve at Wycombe. #bwfc
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) November 17, 2021
2. The last time these two sides met, BWFC were in all sorts of trouble on and off the pitch. How far have Bolton come since the 2019/20 season?
MI: “Goodness me, how long have you got?
“I sat having a coffee before that game and the players came out for a morning walk.
“Phil Parkinson was at the front – but I barely recognised half of the players behind him.
“The squad only had a handful of senior players and one of them had refused to climb aboard the team bus.
“Things went right to the wire.
“And a few weeks later the new owners were able to start rebuilding.
“It is a completely different place now, and I doubt Ian Evatt will have anything like the same pre-game issues as Parky faced back then.”
3. Who are the Bolton players Wycombe need to be on the lookout for at Adams Park on Saturday?
Wycombe Vs Bolton Wanderers
— S.P.R sports stats (Simon) (@Footiespr5687) November 17, 2021
Wycombe last hosted Bolton in 2019 a 2-0 chairboys victory . Bolton have picked up 10 away points where as Wycombe have 18 home points #chairboys #BWFC @OfficialBWFC @wwfcofficial Prediction = 1-1
MI: “Dapo Afolayan has been superb this season and I’m convinced he will play much higher up the league if he keeps working hard.
“He has really taken his game up a level this season and always looks a goal threat.
“I’d also pick out MJ Williams, who is very much in command of the midfield engine room.
“Aside from getting stuck in, his range of passing is magnificent, and you can see he has had a quality football upbringing with Liverpool.”
4. What are Bolton’s weaknesses that Wycombe could try and exploit this weekend?
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two Hartlepool United at Adams Park
MI: “I suppose the stats would point to the fact they don’t convert enough of their chances – but at time of writing they have scored seven times in their last three games.
“As a possession-based side, they have found it tougher to break down deep-lying defensive teams too.
FT: Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Hartlepool United.
— James Richings | Bucks Free Press (@James_BFP) November 16, 2021
Boos ring around Adams Park as Mark Cullen's goal sends Pools into the first round. Wycombe are out.#Chairboys #FACup
5. How do you see it going and what’s your prediction?
MI: “Seems a contrast in styles and I think the game will be tight.
“This is Bolton’s toughest game this month, so provided the FA Cup replay has not taken too much out of them, I’d be happy to take a point back to Lancashire.”
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