Preview: Fleetwood Town vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently in the relegation zone, but do head into this game on the back of consecutive draws.

Match preview

Fleetwood Town have had a tough season so far, picking up just four victories in 22 League One fixtures, a run of form which has left them 23rd in the table.

With the Cods four points adrift of safety there is plenty of pressure on the team to start creating more positive results to begin pushing up the division.

Lee Johnson's men have been looking to end 2023 in a slightly more positive manner, which is why they head into this fixture on the back of consecutive draws.

The Cods came from behind to take a point against fellow struggles Carlise United, with a goal from Jayden Stockley proving to be enough on that day.

However, Fleetwood Town have been weaker in home fixtures, which is a concerning situation that they will have to change should they want to make a difference to their campaign.

On the other hand, Bolton Wanderers have had no problem picking up points throughout this campaign as they have only lost five games all season.

No team has won more games in League One than the Trotters, which is why they currently sit in third place, but the team will be wanting to push into the automatic positions.

The team have showcased great quality in their most recent performances with consecutive victories helping them to keep pressure on the teams above them.

The Trotters showcased their ability to be resilient and patient in midweek against Lincoln City with Eoin Toal breaking the deadlock in the 89th minute to earn an important three points.

While only goal difference keeps them out of second place, Bolton Wanderers will be aware of the fact another defeat this week could lead to them slipping as low as sixth, which adds plenty of pressure on this fixture.

Fleetwood Town League One form:

L

L

L

L

D

D

Fleetwood Town form (all competitions):

L

L

L

L

D

D

Bolton Wanderers League One form:

W

D

L

L

W

W

Bolton Wanderers form (all competitions):

W

W

L

L

W

W

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Team News

Stockley should be leading the line for Fleetwood Town on Friday after finding the back of the net during their most recent outing.

Josh Vela will be available once again for the hosts after being suspended against Carlisle United, so a decision will have to be made by Johnson as to whether he comes back in or if Harrison Holgate retains his place.

Bolton Wanderers were able to welcome back club captain Ricardo Santos in midweek following suspension, and he will be expected to be at the heart of a back three on Friday.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the field Jon Bodvarsson will likely be brought back into the team after being rested in their previous outing where he was only used as a substitute.

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:

Lynch; Lawal, Vela, Heneghan, Earl; Sarpong-Wiredu; Asamoah, Johnston, Dolan, Patterson; Stockley

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Baxter; Jones, Forrester, Toal; Cogley, Thomason, Sheehan, Dempsey, Iredale; Bodvarsson, Charles

We say: Fleetwood Town 1-2 Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers should be heading into this game with confidence after consecutive victories, and the team should have enough to take three points due to the overall campaign each team is having.

Fleetwood Town will be sure to make life difficult considering the fact they also need points, but the quality of the visitors will likely be too much.

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