Our prediction for this EFL Cup match:
Bolton
Match Time & Date:
29/08/2023
20:45
Prediction: 0-2
Middlesbrough
Bolton and Middlesbrough go head to head at Toughsheet Stadium in a highly-anticipated EFL Cup encounter. The Trotters head into Tuesday’s game following a 1-1 draw with Burton and, no doubt, they are fully focused on securing the Championship promotion. As head coach Ian Evatt should use the EFL Cup clash to rest several first-team regulars, all Forester, Mendes Gomes, Jerome, and Sheehan are pushing for a start.
The Boro, on the other hand, experienced all sorts of problems at the back in a 4-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in their last league fixture. Middlesbrough are eager to make amends for their slow start to the season and, taking everything into account, away triumph should be considered. Tom Smith is banned for the match, while fellow defender Anfernee Dijksteel misses out with injury. In their last meeting at the venue Middlesbrough defeated Bolton 2-0.
Highlighted Player (Paddy McNair):
Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair joined the Manchester United academy in 2011 and he was surprisingly handed first team debut by Louis van Gaal at the start of the 2014/2015 season.
Despite his fragile age, the talented central defender has been putting in some very mature performances ever since, and everything suggests he could go on to become an important player at Old Trafford in years to come. After representing a number of youth sides, McNair made his first appearance for the Northern Ireland senior national team in a March 2015 friendly vs Scotland, before making another three outings as his side secured their place at the Euro 2016 finals.
Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill surprisingly played McNair in holding midfield in the March 2016 friendly vs Wales. After the youngster impressed in the middle of the park, O’Neill went on to suggest that the Manchester United starlet may be used in midfield rather than defence in years to come in the national team.
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.
Brighton
Southampton
Barcelona
Las Palmas 
Crystal Palace
Newcastle 
Borussia Dortmund 
Bayern Munich 
West Ham
Arsenal
Chelsea 
Aston Villa 
