Key Points:
- Bolton Wanderers aim for their first-ever victory at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium, having drawn three of their five previous visits.
- Manager Steven Schumacher’s side are unbeaten in their last eight league games, winning six and drawing one, following a 3-1 midweek win over league leaders Birmingham City.
- Burton Albion, currently in the bottom four of League One, are striving to escape relegation under manager Gary Bowyer, who took charge in December.
- Bolton are seeking a seventh win in nine games to potentially enter the top six, while Burton have lost five of their last six matches.
- Will Forrester returns from injury for Bolton, while George Johnston is sidelined; Carlos Mendes Gomes and Chris Forino are on the bench as they manage their return from long-term injuries.
- Former Bolton striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is absent for Burton due to injury, missing a chance for a farewell tribute from Bolton fans.
- Burton defender Terence Vancooten returns from suspension, but Billy Bodin remains a doubt with a calf issue.
- Bolton have won their last five League One meetings with Burton, including a 1-0 victory on New Year’s Day via a Jasper Moon own goal.
- Wanderers TV reports that over 1,600 Bolton supporters are travelling, with tickets sold out and international fans able to stream the match live.
- Referee Lee Swabey will officiate, having last handled a Bolton game in August against Charlton Athletic.
Inverted Pyramid: Bolton Wanderers Target Historic Win at Pirelli Stadium
As reported by the official Bolton Wanderers FC website, Wanderers head to Burton Albion on Saturday aiming to secure their first-ever victory at the Pirelli Stadium, a milestone that has eluded them across five previous visits despite three draws. The match, set for a 3pm kick-off, comes at a pivotal moment in the League One season, with Bolton riding a wave of form under manager Steven Schumacher, who has overseen six wins and one draw in their last eight league fixtures. A victory would not only break their winless streak at Burton but could also propel them into the top six, intensifying their push for a playoff spot.
Can Bolton End Their Pirelli Stadium Drought?
As noted by Bolton Wanderers FC, the Whites have never won at Burton, despite maintaining an unbeaten run in their last five head-to-head meetings across all competitions. This contrast underscores the psychological hurdle they face, even as form suggests they are strong favourites. The official club preview highlights their recent 3-1 triumph over league leaders Birmingham City as a confidence booster, with Schumacher praising the team’s intensity and resilience.
“Tuesday's game was obviously a highlight and something that we all enjoyed, in a brilliant atmosphere against a top-quality opposition,”
Schumacher stated, adding that the same energy will be required at Burton.
What’s at Stake for Burton Albion?
As detailed by Sports Mole, Burton Albion are entrenched in a relegation battle, sitting in 23rd place in the League One table with just one win in 12 competitive matches this season. Their only victory came against Leicester City’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, and they have lost five of their last six games, including a painful 3-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers where substitute Terence Vancooten was sent off. Manager Mark Robinson faces mounting pressure, with the club’s seven-year stay in the third tier under serious threat. As reported by Bolton Wanderers FC, Gary Bowyer, who previously managed Blackburn and Blackpool, has revitalised the Brewers since taking over in December, losing only three times since Boxing Day and remaining unbeaten in six home games.
How Have Recent Form and Tactics Influenced the Matchup?
According to Bolton Wanderers FC, the Trotters have been prolific in attack, scoring 12 goals in their last five league games, and have come from behind in each of their last four wins. This resilience contrasts sharply with Burton’s struggles, who have failed to win any of their nine league games this season, managing only four draws. Sports Mole notes that Bolton’s defensive record at home is concerning, having conceded 10 goals in their last four home matches, but they are expected to dominate against a Burton side that has shown little attacking cohesion. Schumacher acknowledged the stylistic differences, stating,
“Burton Albion won't play the same style of football as Birmingham did… so we have to pick a team and come up with a plan that we think will give us the best chance of winning”.
Who Are the Key Players and Absences?
Team news from Bolton Wanderers FC confirms that Will Forrester returns to the starting XI after missing the Birmingham game due to a hamstring issue, while George Johnston is ruled out through injury. Defenders Carlos Mendes Gomes and Chris Forino are on the bench as they ease back from long-term absences, and midfielder Kyle Dempsey is still building fitness. For Burton, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson remains sidelined with a calf injury, depriving the Brewers of a former Bolton fan favourite who never got to say a proper goodbye after missing last year’s play-off final. Terence Vancooten is back from suspension, but Billy Bodin’s fitness is uncertain. Sports Mole adds that Geraldo Bajrami is still recovering from an ACL injury, and loanee Ronnie Stutter may only feature from the bench.
What Do the Experts Predict?
As forecast by Sports Mole, Bolton are strong favourites, with a predicted 3-0 victory. The analysis cites Burton’s defensive frailties and lack of form, noting that even without manager Ian Evatt on the touchline—serving a three-match ban for improper conduct after squaring up to Shrewsbury’s Morgan Feeney—they should overcome a beleaguered Burton side. The preview also highlights Eoin Toal’s uncertain availability after a head injury in international duty, but notes that Forrester and Gethin Jones could be fast-tracked into the defence. Bolton’s possible lineup includes Southwood; Johnston, Forrester, Santos; Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Dempsey, Sheehan, Schon; Adeboyejo, Charles, while Burton may field Crocombe; Akoto, Bannon, Sweeney, Williams; Watt, Chauke; Kalinauskas, Webster, Whitfield; Orsi.
How Can Fans Follow the Action?
As confirmed by Bolton Wanderers FC, tickets for the match are sold out, with over 1,600 away supporters making the trip. UK-based fans can purchase audio passes, while international supporters can stream the game live via Wanderers TV. Referee Lee Swabey will take charge, having last officiated Bolton in August against Charlton Athletic. The match promises high stakes and emotional undertones, particularly if Bodvarsson is absent, denying fans the chance to honour a player described by Bowyer as “a top player and a wonderful human being”.