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All the LOV writers have been tasked with predicting how this season will go. I’ve already shared my Championship season predictions, and now it’s time to predict how our beloved Bolton Wanderers will get on this season.
So, here are my 2017/2018 Wanderers predictions:
First Six Games
6th August - Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Leeds United
12th August - Millwall 1-2 Bolton Wanderers
15th August - Birmingham City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
19th August - Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Derby County
26th August - Hull City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
9th September - Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Middlesbrough
Wanderers have got a tough start, no doubt about it. The majority of the sides will be up at the top of the table.
Final League Position
20th. I hope Wanderers will be at least in mid table, but I feel like we’ll struggle this season. Too many sides have spent millions upon millions to bolster their squads, whilst Wanderers have had to do with free transfers. Saying that, we’ve signed well for the situation the club is in.
Breakthrough Player
Jeff King. Phil Parkinson wanted him to be in the first team last season, but was denied due to restrictions placed on the team by the EFL. The youngster has looked sharp in pre-season, and could make an impact if given the right opportunity. In regards to the first team, players like Josh Vela and Sammy Ameobi will want to carry on their great form from League One into the Championship.
Signing of the Season
Adam Le Fondre. A long term goalscorer is something that Wanderers have missed for many years. To have Le Fondre be a permanent Wanderer finally is vital. I’ve no doubt his goals will be pivotal to Bolton staying in The Championship.
Top Goalscorer
As I alluded to in the last section, Adam Le Fondre. He’s shown in loan spells he can score, so I’ve no doubt he’ll score plenty in a full season with Wanderers. I’m also hoping Gary Madine and Josh Vela can chip in with a few, as their goals were integral to Wanderers’ promotion last season.
Supersub of the Season
Adam Armstrong. The Newcastle United starlet could make a big impact coming off the bench for Wanderers. His pace could change games in Wanderers’ favour.
What Will Parky Do?
Hopefully keep Wanderers in The Championship. Phil Parkinson did a wonderful job of steering Wanderers to promotion last season, so I’m hoping he’ll continue to be successful this season. Whether Bolton will line up in a 3-5-2 or a 4-2-3-1, Parkinson will surely keep Wanderers in the division. Bolton have a tough start, so Parky will be wary as to not suffer a stuttered start like the club have in previous seasons. Getting points on the board early on will prove to be pivotal come the end of the season.