MX23RW : Tuesday, April 5 21:33:50| >> :120:83119:83119:
Apr 5, 2022 at 8pm UK at Reebok Stadium
Bolton
1 - 1
Portsmouth
Sadlier (76' pen.)
Dempsey (38'), Aimson (49')
FT(HT: 0-0)
O'Brien (50')
(77')

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

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's League One clash between Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth will face off on Tuesday with both sides currently level on 59 points in the League One table.

The hosts have lost just once in their last five matches, while Pompey have suffered only one defeat in their previous 10 outings.


Match preview

Bolton Wanderers' Jon Dadi Bodvarsson celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on April 2, 2022© Reuters

Bolton have experienced mixed results in recent weeks, and a failure to find consistency has all but ended their playoff hopes.

After losing to Plymouth Argyle, the Trotters returned to winning ways when they edged out Crewe Alexandra, and they picked up another point at the weekend courtesy of a 1-1 draw against local rivals Wigan Athletic.

A seventh-minute strike from James McClean looked to have given the Latics all three points, but the Trotters salvaged a draw thanks to Jon Dadi Bodvarsson's goal that arrived seven minutes from time.

That result leaves Ian Evatt's side in 11th position and with 11 points separating them from the playoff places with just six games to play, hopes of reaching the playoffs have seemingly disappeared.

Although, after winning promotion to League One last season, Tuesday's hosts can be content with their campaign, as they now look to end the season on a high.

Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley pictured on May 9, 2021© Reuters

Portsmouth also sit 11 points adrift of the playoff places, but with two games in hand, they still have a chance of making the top six.

If they are to close the 11 point gap then they need to string a number of wins together, and that has proved to be tricky in recent games.

Danny Cowley's side are winless in their last three matches, but with over two weeks since their last outing, they will be hoping that the rest can set them up for a strong finish to the season.

The Pompey boss will, however, be concerned that his side failed to score in their last three matches, although Portsmouth have fared better in the defensive third this term.

Only Rotherham have kept more clean sheets in League One this season than Pompey and after experiencing three shutouts in their last five matches, they will be confident of nullifying Bolton's attacks on Tuesday.

Bolton Wanderers League One form:
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • D

Portsmouth League One form:
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • D



Team News

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt approaches referee Samuel Barrott at half time on April 2, 2022© Reuters

Lloyd Isgrove is expected to miss the rest of Bolton's season, while Josh Sheehan and Andrew Tutte are also sidelined for the hosts.

In more positive news, Kieran Lee is nearing a return to full fitness, although Tuesday's contest may come too soon for the 33-year-old.

Gethin Jones returned from injury to play the full game against Wigan, and he is expected to feature once again in midweek.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, are expected to opt for the back three that started in their most recent outing, with Hayden Carter, Sean Raggett and Clark Robertson set to feature in the backline.

Joe Morrell could come back into the starting lineup with the Welshman likely to partner Louis Thompson in the centre of midfield.

Cowley welcomed Michael Jacobs back from injury in their last fixture and after making a substitute appearance against Wycombe, the 30-year-old may be given a starting place for the midweek encounter.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Aimson, Santos, Johnston; Jones, Williams, Morley, Sadlier; Bodvarsson, Afolayan, Charles

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:
Bazunu; Carter, Raggett, Robertson; Harness, Thompson, Morrell, Ogilvie; Jacobs, Walker, Hirst


SM words green background

We say: Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Portsmouth

Cowley's side have had plenty of time to prepare for Tuesday's contest, and with the playoffs still a realistic possibility for the visitors, we think they will have that extra incentive to clinch all three points against Bolton.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


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How you voted: Bolton vs Portsmouth

Bolton Wanderers
27.6%
Draw
20.7%
Portsmouth
51.7%
29
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Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Wigan AthleticWigan39258670353583
2MK Dons412410768392982
3Rotherham UnitedRotherham39248764253980
4Plymouth ArgylePlymouth412381067402777
5Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds402012866432372
6Wycombe WanderersWycombe412012968482072
7Sunderland4020101067481970
8Oxford UnitedOxford Utd412091275522369
9Ipswich TownIpswich4117131159411864
10Portsmouth3916121154401460
11Bolton WanderersBolton411791562511160
12Cheltenham TownCheltenham411215146071-1151
13Cambridge UnitedCambridge411312164963-1451
14Accrington StanleyAccrington41149185272-2051
15Charlton AthleticCharlton41148194852-450
16Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury411212174139248
17Burton Albion40138194863-1547
18Lincoln CityLincoln411210194654-846
19Fleetwood TownFleetwood40814185469-1538
20Morecambe41911215280-2838
21Gillingham41813203161-3037
22AFC Wimbledon41616194265-2334
23Doncaster RoversDoncaster4186272876-4830
24Crewe AlexandraCrewe4167283276-4425

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