Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Bolton will look to build on a 2-1 win over Fleetwood when they take on Bristol Rovers in the League One round 20. The Trotters are determined to, at least, book their place in the playoffs, but they need to keep on making progress if they are to meet the goal. The good news for the hosts is that Kyle Dempsey is back to the starting XI after serving his one-game ban in the triumph over the Fishermen.
Meanwhile, the Pirates aim to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Peterborough. Bristol Rovers, though, often struggle on the travels, and given their poor display in the FA Cup defeat to Boreham Wood, we predict that the hosts are going to pick up all three points from the match. As for the visiting side, goalkeeper Jed Ward remains on the sidelines with injury.
Highlighted Player (Glenn Whelan):
Probably one of the most underrated footballers in Premier League history, Glenn Whelan was born on 13 January 1982 in Dublin and he went on to enjoy a very successful career on club and international level.
Following spells with Manchester City, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday, the defensive midfielder found his peace at the Britannia Stadium, making over 250 Premier League appearances for Stoke City and keeping his place in the side under both Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes. Predominantly focused on doing the dirty defensive work and helping out the back four, Whelan never quite made the headlines for his style of play or quality of his displays, but remained an important player for both club and country.
The midfielder has so far made over 70 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team, wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions, and starting all three group games at the Euro 2012 finals, while helping The Green Army qualify for the Euro 2016 as well.
Highlighted Team (Bolton):
Bolton Wanderers were formed as Christ Church Football Club back in 1874 and three years later they adopted their current name. The Trotters currently compete in the Championship and they play their home games at Macron Stadium, which was opened in 1997.
Speaking of the club’s trophies, Bolton Wanderers won the FA Cup on four occasions (1923, 1926, 1929 and 1958), but they have yet to win the Premier League title. The Trotters were producing splendid displays in the 2003/2004 Premier League campaign, with the team finishing the season in eighth position in the standings, which is regarded as the club’s best result in the English top flight.
Bolton did well to reach the UEFA Cup knockout stages in the 2007/2008 season; the English outfit eliminated Atletico Madrid in the two-legged tie, but Sporting Lisbon eventually proved to be a big catch for the Trotters.
Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha is one of the most notable footballers who played for Bolton and he scored 14 goals in 124 appearances in the league for the club. Bury are considered the club’s fiercest rivals.