2018/19 Bolton Wanderers season predictions: Ed

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 2018/2019 Wanderers predictions:

What else do you think we need before the season starts?

A backup Goalkeeper, a centre-back, a left-back, a creative midfielder & two strikers. Three of those players will probably be Jack Hobbs, Antonee Robinson and Josh Magennis. Gary O’Neil and Stephen Ireland have also spent time training with Wanderers, so the club will have to make decisions on those two.

First six games

4th August: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

11th August: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Bristol City

18th August: Reading 1-1 Bolton Wanderers

22nd August: Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Birmingham City

25th: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Sheffield United

1st September: Preston North End 0-0 Bolton Wanderers

Six points from our six games. It’s an easier start than last season, though Wanderers have always been known for their slow starts in The Championship.

Final league position

I’ll say 18th, though anything 21st and above would be fantastic. Parky’s strengthened the side with some better quality players, but at the time of writing, we still need more strength in depth.

Breakthrough Player

After scoring twenty-two goals for the U23s PDL Champions last season, Connor Hall is one to look out for. If he doesn’t go out on loan, Hall could well prove to be the player to push into the first team from the U23s. I’ll also say Joe Pritchard, who Wanderers recently signed from Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder looked impressive in the recent friendly against Girona.

Signing of the Season

Of the confirmed signings so far, i’ll say Erhun Oztumer. If he can replicate the form he showed for Walsall last season to get into the League One PFA team of the year, then he’ll prove to be an important player for Wanderers this season. Yanic Wildschut could also prove to be a great signing for Bolton, having beat other Championship clubs to sign him on loan.

Top Goalscorer

Of the current players, I’ll say Adam Le Fondre. But who knows, maybe Oztumer, Ameobi or Wildschut can chip in with goals from midfield. Or maybe a potential new striker will take home the Golden Boot.

Supersub of the Season

Depending on what formation Phil Parkinson plays or who he plays on the wing, I’ll go with Sammy Ameobi or Craig Noone. Whoever doesn’t start will come on and make an impact off the bench.

Will Phil Parkinson still be our manager come the end of the season?

Absolutely.

Which old, semi-legendary player will we sign in Winter?

Phil Parkinson wanted a younger side, though it wouldn’t be Wanderers if there wasn’t a link to a player with some notoriety. Alex Song? No clue this season.