FA Cup 1st round Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs Plymouth Argyle

The FA Cup is back as Bolton Wanderers begin their journey in the 1st round against Plymouth Argyle.

The last time Wanderers started in the 1st round, they progressed with a narrow 1-0 win against Grimsby Town in 2016.

Despite having a long & illustrious association with the worlds oldest cup competition, Bolton haven't progressed past the fourth round since 2012.

Is this the year we do? Probably not. Though a bit of a cup run would be an absolute treat.

Despite losing 4-0 to rivals Exeter City in their last league game, Argyle are on a decent run of form, having won three of their last six games.

Wanderers haven't faced Plymouth for nearly twenty-six years. The Whites won 3-1 in a League One game thanks to goals by Mark Seagraves, Andy Walker and Super John McGinlay.

Also playing that day for Argyle was our current gaffer Keith Hill, who spent four years with the club between 1992 & 1996.

The two sides have met before in the FA Cup; with Wanderers coming away from Plymouth with a 4-1 win in 1935.

With no new injury concerns, Keith has already stated he plans to play a fairly strong starting XI, so don't expect too much rotation.

Remi Matthews could be set to face his former loan side.

Maybe we'll see starts for the likes of Connor Hall, Dennis Politic & Sonny Graham.

It's likely that Plymouth will start former Wanderers academy graduate Joe Riley, who I'm sure will receive a warm welcome on his return.

Wanderers aren't favourites with the bookies with odds of 17/10. A draw to force a replay (please no) is 23/10 & an Argyle win is 7/5.

I reckon it'll be a close game but Bolton will progress with a 2-1 win.