LOV Bolton Wanderers 20/21 Predictions: Ed

This week, all the writers here at LOV are going to try and predict how the season will go for Bolton.

Next up is Ed:

Best Signing:

There are a few names who stick out given the hype behind their arrivals. Eoin Doyle & Antoni Sarcevic are obviously experienced at this level & had huge success last season with their former teams. For me, i’m going to say the best signing will be George Taft. The former Leicester centre back has been a steady performer in recent seasons for Cambridge & proven to be comfortable playing out from the back. His experience at this level will be crucial to help the relatively young back three, goalkeeper Billy Crellin & wing back Liam Gordon.

Top Scorer:

Whilst i’m hoping a few players chip in with several goals, you can’t look past Eoin Doyle for top goalscorer. I really feel like this will be the first season a Wanderer has scored more than twelve in a season since Michael Ricketts in 2002. Seeing as Doyle hit twenty-five for Swindon last season, I see no reason why he can’t get into the twenties again. His partnership with Nathan Delfouneso has already proven to be successful in pre-season. If they can continue in the same vein, then it’ll be a great season for Bolton.

Game I’m most looking forward to:

The games against Barrow & Harrogate will be interesting, as will the derbies against fellow North West sides & those across the Pennines. When we’re finally allowed to attend a game again will be truly special. The games against Wycombe away, Coventry at home & Bradford last season were fantastic as it was just great to see Bolton Wanderers playing football after months of uncertainty. The first game back this season will be as memorable, if not more.

Opposing player I’d love:

Like many of my fellow LOV writers have already stated - Stephen Humphrys would be a terrific signing for Bolton. It’s not a surprise to see teams from the league above trying hard to sign the target man. Randell Williams is another player I’d love to see in a Bolton shirt. He was a standout in League Two last season for Exeter City & would fit perfectly into Ian Evatt’s system.

Key player:

Ali Crawford. It was a welcome surprise back at the start of July when Crawford decided to sign a new deal with the club. Being the first signing through the door, it set a precedent for the calibre of player Ian Evatt wanted to bring to the UNIBOL. Crawford was a standout performer last season before his unfortunate injury in the EFL Trophy. Hopefully, he can stay injury free and prove to have a huge influence on the upcoming season.

Predict the first 6 games:

Forest Green (H) - 2-1
Colchester (A) - 1-1
Newport (H) - 3-0
Harrogate (A) - 2-2
Grismby (H) - 0-0
Oldham (H) - 3-1

Three wins & three draws would be great start to the season. Colchester away looks to be the trickiest game from the opening six, given that they reached the play-offs last season.

Final Position:

Anywhere in the top three would be absolutely fantastic. Promotion is clearly the aim & when the team is playing at the level that Evatt demands, then there’s no reason for us not be challenging for an immediate return to League One. I’d love to see us win the league. It’s been twenty-three years since the last league title & I was far too young to appreciate the success of the Todd era. It would be wonderful to see captain Sarce lifting that trophy come the end of the season.

Any other business prediction?:

An ex-Wanderer will score against us. My money is on David Wheater.