Match Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs Rochdale

With the first win since March seemingly just around the corner, Bolton Wanderers are back in action after the international break to face a team they’re all too familiar with; Rochdale.

Today is the third meeting between the two sides this season, having already met in the League Cup and the Football League Trophy. Wanderers might have lost & then drawn (but also sort of lost) against Dale so far, though there’s a sense of optimism that it’ll be third time lucky.

The last league meeting ended in a Wanderers win back in February 2017 with a scrappy Mark Beevers winner barely crossing the line.

Rochdale go into the game 18th in the table, having beaten Accrington Stanley 2-1 last week, their first win since the end of August.

Keith Hill has improved options at the back & upfront going into the game.

Chris O’Grady has returned to training, whilst Josh Earl & Connor Hall played for Wanderers’ U23s against Crewe Alexandra on Monday night.

A couple of familiar faces will be returning to The UNIBOL. Goalkeeper Jay Lynch spent four years with Bolton’s academy before leaving for Accrington Stanley in 2014.

Then there’s striker Aaron Wilbraham. Eighteen months ago, the 40 year olds last gasp winner kept Wanderers in The Championship. I’ve no doubt he’ll be given a rapturous reception.

Rochdale are the favourites to win the game with the bookies with odds of 6/4. A Bolton win is 13/8 with a draw at 12/5.

Fingers crossed we finally see the first win since March.