Accrington Stanley vs Bolton
EFL Trophy
Wednesday
10th January 2024
Wham Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Trophy fixture between Accrington Stanley and Bolton.
Accrington Stanley vs Bolton: Preview
Accrington Stanley form analysis
Stanley have shown defensive frailties in recent matches, hampering a genuine promotion push despite attacking endeavor. They started in dramatic fashion, coming from two goals down to grab an injury time 3-3 away draw with Crewe on December 16th courtesy of late goals from Billy Woods, Joe Woods and Josh Nolan. Accrington built slight momentum from that by narrowly defeating Walsall 2-1 at home a week late. Thanks to efforts from Tommy Leigh and Joe Pritchard either side of a Finley Draper penalty.
However, familiar flaws soon resurfaced; Accrington suffered a sobering 2-1 loss away at struggling Harrogate on Boxing Day despite taking the lead through Josh Nolan before conceding twice, including a 90th minute winner. Most recently on New Year’s Day, Accrington returned to home comforts by trouncing Salford City 3-0 thanks to goals from Seamus Whalley, a Joe Nolan penalty and his second late in the first half to reaffirm promotion credentials.
Bolton form analysis
Bolton Wanderers have produced solid results recently to sustain their League One promotion push. They started this run with a thrilling 3-2 home win over Leyton Orient on December 23rd, racing into a 3-0 lead through early goals from Jack Dacres-Cogley, Dion Charles and George Thomason before conceding twice. Bolton then ground out another three vital points by narrowly winning 1-0 away at Lincoln four days later courtesy of Eoin Toal’s late header.
The New Year began with an efficient 2-0 away win at Fleetwood on December 30th thanks to goals in either half from Dion Charles and Victor Adeboyejo. That was followed up with another narrow 1-0 home victory over Burton Albion on New Year’s Day with Bolton benefiting from an own goal this time. Most recently on January 7th, Bolton began their FA Cup campaign with a steady goalless home draw. Against Championship opposition Luton Town. Overall, this solid spell has showcased Bolton’s promotion credentials.
