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The first few pre-season friendlies always lead to some interesting lineup choices, and this season has been no different for Dougie Freedman's Bolton Wanderers squad. Adam Bogdan and David Wheater are both a week or so behind the rest of the squad (according to Marc Iles of the Bolton News) so they will not feature today.
Bogdan's late start means that Andy Lonergan is once again in goal from the start. Fitzsimmons (about whom I know nothing) is the backup.
Joe Riley is at right back again. This surprises me a bit. After playing on Thursday, I was sure he would be rested today. Oscar Threlkeld starts at left back. It's an interesting pairing in the middle. Dorian Dervite and Tim Ream have started together. Some believe this will be the preferred pairing in defense this season.
Freedman has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 (nominally). George Iliev is a left winger in this formation, although I think he has always been an out-and-out striker for the reserves. Liam Feeney and Darren Pratley join him in the attacking three. Josh Vela and Medo Kamara will play the holding roles.
Craig Davies is the lone striker, and he sure seems better suited for the role than Jermaine Beckford, who starts on the bench today. Joining him there are defenders Dean Moxey, Matt Mills, and Cian Bolger, along with midfielders Jay Spearing, Neil Danns, and Rob Hall. Liam Trotter was seen training on the pitch before the match, but will not be involved.
Josh Vela was very involved in the first half. I think he will have a big part to play this season.
On the 33rd minute Davies got to the byline and put a low cross to the back post. Liam Feeney turned it in to give Bolton Wanderers a 1-0 lead, which they held through halftime. Unlike the previous friendly, there were no changes at the half.