Bolton VS Sunderland – Match Preview

Preview

Lee Johnson’s side will be hoping to end January on a high after a hard start to the new year as over 5,000 Mackems travel down to greater Manchester on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland, who only have 2 wins in their last 5, will be hoping to pump the pressure up on the teams around them with a second consecutive victory after beating Portsmouth 1-0 last Saturday.

Johnson has hinted that their may be a debut for new signings Patrick Robert’s and Jack Clarke this Saturday and he will be hoping that they will have a positive impact on our attacking front.

Bolton have turned things around in recent weeks, after 4 straight defeats in all competitions, The Wanderers have won their last 2 games beating Ipswich Town 2-0 and Shrewsbury Town 1-0.

The Black Cat’s need to stay mindful of Bolton forward Oladapo Afolyan who have has 8 goals and 2 assists to his name, proving to be The White’s most attacking threat.

Sunderland will be hoping to have Ross Stewart back on the score sheet as they try to secure their first away win since the 3-0 win over Doncaster on the 27th December.

My Views

I am hoping to see a much improved performance compared to recent weeks after a hard fought victory over Pompey last weekend.

Personally I am travelling down to the game for my first away game since our defeat to Coventry City in March 2020, which proved to be one of my last games before the first COVID lockdown.

I would like to see new signings, Roberts and Clarke make an appearance at some point during the game as they seem to be exciting, attacking players and I cannot wait to see what they have got in their locker’s!

It will be a brilliant atmosphere overall, with around 20,000 tickets being sold with still 24 hours until kick off.

I am hoping that with the use of the Red and White Army, travelling in their numbers, the lads will come out victorious with a battling performance.

Predictions

Score – 3-0

Scorers – Stewart x2 and Pritchard