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Bolton are finally back! After a summer of mere tinpot football, we now get to watch our beloved team in a new, better league. Much prefer League 1 to the Championship and Premiership. We kick off against one of the big names of the division, Sheffield United and this should be a good barometer as to how we'll fare this season. It will be the first competitive test for our new manager, Phil Parkinson who despite having signed some players, has complained of a recent lack of movement.
Team News
We could see starts for new boys: Mark Beevers, Chris Taylor, Jamie Proctor and err' David Wheater? Zach Clough is expected to be fit after some hamstring problems pre-season. There isn't much talk of any late additions before kick off so it appears the squad will be as is.
Sheffield Untied
Bolton will come up against former youth product and one half of the unsuccessful WWE tag team, The Basham Brothers (I'm sure that's right), Chris Basham. We will also be the first team to test their contingent of new boys: Leon Clarke, Jack O'Connell, football manager legend John Fleck and Mark Duffy amongst others.
Form
Bolton Wanderers
A mixed bag in pre-season. A couple of good tests in which we performed well against higher division teams.
Sheffield United
Similar for Sheffield United. A mix bag including wins against Grimsby Town and a narrow 1-0 loss to Derby.
Top Scorers
Until next week....
One To Watch
Leon Clarke. Although the striker has had a pretty 'meh' career it must be said he had a good last season with Bury in this league. I'm fairly confident in our defence mind.
What's Been Said?
"I don't think we should put too much expectation on ourselves from the start. Fans will do that, and deservedly so because of the size of the squad...Since I have been here the lads have been upbeat and there has been talk of putting the past behind them. I think they are starting to do that." - Jamie Proctor
Match Odds
Bolton Wanderers 2.75
Draw 3.30
Sheffield United 2.50
Match Prediction
We look solid and we've made some decent acquisitions, just don't think we have the midfield to supply Clough and co'. 1-1