Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Cambridge United - prediction, team news, lineups

Bolton lost 1-0 away to Wigan Athletic on Tuesday evening, while Cambridge were defeated by the same scoreline away to Stevenage.

Match preview

Having gone on an impressive seven-match unbeaten run, Bolton's automatic promotion hopes have been damaged by successive defeats to Blackpool and Wigan within the past week. Ian Evatt's side were thrashed 4-1 at Bloomfield Road, before being edged out at the DW Stadium in midweek.

In a match devoid of clear cut chances, Stephen Humphrys's 69th minute strike proved to be the difference between the sides. As is generally the case under Evatt, Bolton dominated possession with 69% of the ball, but could not turn any of their 10 shots into a goal.

Fortunately for the Trotters, second-placed Derby County have also lost back-to-back games, meaning the two sides will head into this weekend's action level on 66 points. Bolton's game in hand means that they are still in the driving seat, but Barnsley are three points back with their own game in hand on Bolton.

As such, it looks set to be a promotion race that will go down to the wire, with Bolton desperate not to miss out on returning to the Championship once again after losing to the Tykes in the playoff semi-finals last season. The two sides will meet at Oakwell Stadium next week, meaning Bolton can surely not afford to drop points against Cambridge on Saturday.

Cambridge, meanwhile, have seen their season seriously derailed by the shock departure of Neil Harris to Millwall in late February. The 46-year-old had only been in charge since replacing Mark Bonner in early December, but made the decision to return to his old club after losing 2-1 at home to Bolton on February 20.

Since then, caretaker boss Barry Corr has overseen successive 1-0 defeats to local rivals Peterborough United and Stevenage, with the U's looking particularly lifeless in front of goal at Broadhall Way on Tuesday evening.

Indeed, Cambridge only forced the opposition goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond into one save across the course of the encounter, with Steve Evans's side comfortably holding onto all three points to move back inside the playoff positions.

Given that they are only five points clear of the relegation zone, Cambridge's hierarchy must find Harris's permanent successor sooner rather than later. The club have already confirmed that Corr will lead them out once again at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday, but a new boss could be in charge at home against Northampton Town next weekend.

Bolton Wanderers League One form:

D

W

D

W

L

L

Cambridge United League One form:

L

L

W

L

L

L

Team News

Bolton will almost certainly remain without their top goalscorer Dion Charles due to a knee issue, after the 28-year-old suffered a setback in training. Charles injured his knee against Wycombe Wanderers last month, and was originally expected to return against Wigan, but Evatt revealed ahead of the defeat that Charles "is not ready."

George Johnston is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to his own knee injury, but the likes of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Aaron Collins and Cameron Jerome are fit and offer viable alternatives to Charles in attack after coming off the bench in midweek.

Cambridge, meanwhile, could remain without George Thomas due to injury. However, 18-year-old Kai Yearns returned to the squad against Stevenage following a lengthy lay-off, joining fellow academy product Brandon Njoku on the bench.

Elias Kachunga and James Brophy were replaced by Adam May and Macauley Bonne, but given their lack of impact during the defeat, Corr may revert to the former pair as his side attempt to score their first goal under his temporary management.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Coleman; Jones, Santos, Toal; Cogley, Dempsey, Sheehan, Thomason, Ogbeta; Adeboyejo, Collins

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Stevens; Gibbons, Bennett, Morrison, Andrew; Digby, Cousins; Brophy, Kachunga, Kaikai; Bonne

We say: Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Cambridge United

Bolton appear to be struggling for goals since Charles's knee injury, while Cambridge have failed to score in both matches under Corr's caretaker management.

Bolton edged it 2-1 when these sides met last month, and we are predicting another narrow victory for the host ahead of a crucial promotion clash against Barnsley in midweek.

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