Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Plymouth Argyle - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently unbeaten in their previous six matches in all competitions, while the hosts could move into fourth with a victory.

Match preview

Bolton Wanderers got their 2023 started impressively by defeating Barnsley by three goals to nil, which was a much-needed result to put consecutive draws behind them.

Goals from Dion Charles, Jon Bodvarsson and Kyle Dempsey all managed to find the back of the net in what proved to be a dominant performance from the team.

The result left the club in fifth place, but they will continue to look upward with a victory on Saturday potentially moving them into fourth if results go their way.

Bolton will need a stronger performance than they provided in the reverse fixture against Plymouth Argyle earlier this season though, as the Pilgrims won that match 2-0.

Despite that Ian Evatt's men will take confidence from the fact they have been much stronger at home this season, having lost just two of their 12 matches to this point.

Plymouth Argyle are currently having a season to remember, sitting top of the league with a four-point gap on their nearest competitors.

However, Steven Schumacher will be keen for his men to continue 2023 in the same impressive manner that they ended the previous year.

The Pilgrims wrapped up 2022 with a five-match undefeated streak in all competitions, and that is something that they stretched to six games on New Year's Day by defeating MK Dons 3-1.

James Wilson, Niall Ennis and Morgan Whittaker all got on the scoresheet in the midweek encounter, and adding to their goals is something the team is looking to do on Saturday.

Considering the fact that Bolton are pushing for a place in the automatic promotion spots, this is a game that Plymouth can ill-afford to drop points in, adding further pressure.

Bolton Wanderers League One form:

D

L

W

D

D

W

Bolton Wanderers form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

D

W

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

L

D

W

W

W

W

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

D

W

D

W

W

W

Team News

Bolton Wanderers are currently in the running to sign Dan Nlundulu on loan for the remainder of the season, but it remains to be seen if that deal gets over the line or is done in time to impact Saturday's starting lineup.

Elsewhere, Evatt could opt to use the same team that picked up three points earlier this week while keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Ricardo Santos might work his way back into the team after appearing on the bench against Barnsley following a five-game absence due to illness, but his minutes might be managed due to fitness.

Plymouth Argyle have been extremely active in the early days of the January transfer window, with former Blackpool midfielder Callum Wright being the latest man through the door.

He will work as a replacement for Whittaker who has been recalled from his loan spell by Swansea City, bringing an end to his time with the Pilgrims.

Wright is not the only man who could make his debut for the visitors this weekend though as Ben Waine and Saxon Earley have both also joined the club this week.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Toal, Aimson, Johnston; Bradley, Morley, Dempsey, Iredale; Lee; Charles, Bodvarsso

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Wilson, Scarr, Lonwijk; Edwards, Houghton, Randell, Mumba; Wright, Mayor; Ennis

We say: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Plymouth Argyle

This is set to be a very close and intense game between two of the strongest teams in the division that are both in great form.

However, as the current league leaders Plymouth Argyle will be considered the favourites and should just have enough quality to edge this one.

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