Boltonvs.Reading

The Trotters are languishing in the League One relegation zone with four points to their name, while the Royals are three points better off in 12th spot.

Match preview

After falling short in last season's playoff final, Bolton's latest bid to win promotion to the Championship has got off to a disappointing start.

The Trotters have mustered four points from their opening five matches, with three of those points coming from their opening-day victory over Leyton Orient.

Ian Evatt's side went on to play out a goalless draw with Wrexham, before losing three consecutive league matches, including a heavy 4-0 defeat in their recent home clash with Huddersfield Town.

While they may have struggled defensively last weekend, Bolton will also be concerned about their form at the other end of the pitch, having gone four consecutive league games without troubling the scorers.

With goals proving hard to come by, the league's lowest scorers may try to draw inspiration from the 5-2 victory they recorded in last season's home meeting with Reading.

There is a feeling of uncertainty surrounding Reading's future after Rob Couhig's prospective takeover of the club fell through on Wednesday.

The former Wycombe Wanderers appeared to be on the verge of completing the takeover after entering a period of exclusivity with Reading's current own Dai Yongge.

The club have since stated that they are considering "alternative options", leaving Reading boss Ruben Selles with the challenge of blocking out off-field matters as his side prepares for their sixth game of the League One season.

The Royals have experienced a mixed start to the campaign, having won two, drawn one and lost two of their opening five matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat in their recent home clash with Leyton Orient.

Reading will now head on their travels for Saturday's trip to Bolton, where they will attempt to end a run of four consecutive away league games without a win since beating Bristol Rovers on April 9.

Bolton Wanderers League One form:

L

W

D

L

L

L

Bolton Wanderers form (all competitions):

D

L

W

L

W

L

Reading League One form:

W

D

W

L

W

L

Reading form (all competitions):

L

W

W

L

W

L

Team News

Bolton are unable to call upon defender Jordi Osei-Tutu, who sustained a knee injury in an EFL Trophy clash with Barrow earlier this month.

Victor Adeboyejo is pushing for a starting spot after making his return from injury as a half-time substitute last weekend.

Josh Sheehan had to settle for a substitute role against Huddersfield, but he could be given the chance to make his third league start of the season on Saturday.

As for the visitors, Coniah Boyce-Clarke is set to keep his place between the posts, with Joel Pereira out for a number of weeks due to an ankle injury.

Harvey Knibbs may be considered for a starting spot after returning from injury to feature as a substitute against Leyton Orient.

Chem Campbell made his Reading debut last weekend, and he is now set to retain his place in the side for Saturday's home fixture.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Baxter; Forino-Joseph, Santos, Toal; Dacres-Cogley, Sheehan Thomason, Matete, Schon; Adeboyejo, Charles

Reading possible starting lineup:

Boyce-Clarke; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Knibbs, Wing, Elliott; Campbell, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith

We say: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Reading

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