LOV Bolton Wanderers 20/21 Predictions: Adam

All the writers here at LOV are going to try and predict how the season will go for Bolton.

Next up is Adam:

Best Signing

Personally, I feel the acquisition of Antoni Sarcevic could prove to be the best bit of business that Evatt has made since his arrival. After the departure of Jason Lowe, we needed a strong, cool, experienced head to lead the team from the middle of the park, and with Sarc, we’ve got exactly that. With him being appointed the new club captain, and the nature in which he views the club and it’s former state, it is clear that he will be key to a promotion push this season.

Top scorer

Eoin Doyle. No questions asked. He knows the league, and how to play it. Having finished top scorer in the division last season, it is a coup for the club to have an out and out goalscorer that knows where the net is. It may take time for the first competitive goal to come, with the settling in period fully in motion, but think once the first one comes, the floodgates will open.

Game you’re looking forward to most

With the prospect of going to away games looking seemingly more unlikely given the current climate, I’ve looked at the home games for which one I’m looking forward to. With Bolton signing what looks to be a brand new squad across the board, and neighbours Salford seemingly strengthening, I think that fixture at the UNIBOL will be a tight and feisty affair. I’d expect it to be low scoring, and not one for the neutral fan, but as a Bolton fan, It’s one I am most definitely looking forward to, and one we’ll need to win if it is the two sides at the top come the business end of the season.

Opposing player you’d love

James Vaughn from Tranmere. Although we’ve got Doyle and Delfouneso, I feel someone with Vaughn’s experience at a higher level would be a great addition and would aid the younger lads within our squad. Not only that, should we need more goals, I think he would be a cracking partner for Doyle, and would only strengthen our potential for outsourcing sides this season.

Key player this season

Aside from the ones I’ve mentioned already, I think Taft could be a key player for us. Although Evatt is going for a back three, based on the game against Bradford, Taft looked like he can receive the ball and move up the pitch with it confidently. The speed in which we got from our 18 yard area, to the halfway line and beyond, was down to Taft’s movement forward with the ball and picking out one of the midfielders. The ability shown on Saturday to turn defence into attack was admirable, and a style of play that is better than previous seasons in my opinion, and Taft looked key to that against Bradford.

Predict the first six games

Forest Green: 2-0 win

Colchester: 2-0 win

Newport County: 2-1 win

Harrogate Town: 4-0 win

Grimsby Town: 1-1 Draw

Oldham: 2-2 draw

Final league position

2nd- I think we’ll be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, however with us settling in with a new squad, regime and style of play, we may just fall short of the title, given that Salford have kept the core of their squad and aren’t having to adapt to a new style, they may have what it takes to edge us to top spot.

Any other business prediction

Personally, I think we’ll need a couple more bodies in, mainly in defence, and with relevant experience. Some back up centre backs as I feel Baptiste isn’t up to it anymore, but that may change as the season goes on. A quick, nippy wide player may be on the agenda to having lost Politic for the season, we’ll need one to turn quick counter attacks into goals as well.

Having said that, the signings we have made are positive, and a stamp already on what is to come from Evatt and the Wanderers this season.