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Bolton logo
Championship
Oct 24, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Leeds logo

1-1

Ameobi (32')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Antenucci (71' pen.)

Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Leeds United

Sports Mole previews the Championship clash between Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United.

Steve Evans will hope to pick up his first victory as Leeds United manager when the struggling Yorkshire side take on bottom-of-the-table Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium on Saturday.

However, his counterpart Neil Lennon is also looking for only his team's second win of the season as they try to boost their own push for survival.


Bolton Wanderers

Neil Lennon the manager of Bolton Wanderers looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers at Ewood park on August 28, 2015© Getty Images

Days before their clash with high-flying Birmingham City, Lennon suggested that his squad was too good to be at the foot of the Championship.

However, his words failed to inspire his troops as they subsequently lost to the Blues, albeit thanks to a solitary goal from Paul Robinson.

Despite their narrow defeat against Birmingham, Bolton boast the worst goal difference and the least potent attack in the division.

While their defence has also let in 19 goals this season, only five of those have come at the Macron Stadium, but that home defensive record has not translated into victories, with only one win in the league this term.

Their hopes of survival were done no favours when striker Wellington Silva was ruled out until at least the New Year, due a hamstring injury picked up against Birmingham.

Bolton have managed to hang on to midfielder Liam Trotter after a proposed loan switch to Nottingham Forest fell through, although recent reports suggest that the deal could be back on.

Recent form: DLDLLL


Leeds United

Steve Evans, manager of Rotherham United, looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United at Loftus Road on August 22, 2015© Getty Images

Newly-appointed Leeds boss Steve Evans is certainly not lacking in self-confidence, saying that his footballing CV "maybe warrants a bigger opportunity" and even told Whites fans to "get ready for winning football".

His first game in charge did not start well, after Moussa Dembele put Fulham ahead, but a Chris Wood penalty did at least give the Yorkshiremen a share of the spoils.

However, the Whites have struggled for victories, drawing five of their first six games before losing four of the last five league fixtures.

Evans will also need to make his team more threatening going forward. Only Forest, Preston North End and Bolton have scored fewer goals this season.

The Scottish coach has demanded time to restore Leeds to former glories, but the future of United owner Massimo Cellino has been cast into further doubt after he was disqualified from owning the club by the Football League.

That suspension has led to the Leeds United Supporter's Trust calling for Cellino to sell his stake in the Whites.

Recent form: LWLLLD


Team News

Wellington Silva during a pre season friendly match between Leyton Orient and an Arsenal XI at the Matchroom Stadium on July 30, 2013© Getty Images

As mentioned, Wanderers forward Wellington Silva will be sidelined with a hamstring problem until the end of the calendar year.

His absence is likely to put greater pressure on Emile Heskey and Gary Madine for goals, but Lennon could turn to youngster Kaiyne Woolery to support those two in attack.

Meanwhile, Wood could be a doubt for the visitors after limping out of the 1-1 draw with Fulham, six minutes after scoring his team's equaliser.

Stuart Dallas should feature up front for United, while Scott Wootton will hope to regain his place in the starting lineup after being named on the bench against the Cottagers.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Amos; Derik, Wheater, Dervite, Casado, Feeney, Davies, Pratley, Woolery, Heskey, Madine

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Silvestri; Wootton, Cooper, Bamba, Berardi; Adeyemi, Cook, Mowatt, Botaka; Dallas, Buckley


Head To Head

Both sides have won their fair share of the previous 55 encounters, but in recent years, it has been the Whites who have enjoyed the better of things.

Of the last six meetings between the teams, Leeds have won three and drawn two, with only one defeat in that time.

However, that solitary defeat was one of United biggest home losses in recent times, after Andre Moritz came off the bench to cap off a 5-1 win for the Trotters at Elland Road.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Bolton 1-1 Leeds

Both teams are out of form; Bolton have drawn four of six at home, while Leeds have drawn of their five on the road. With those statistics, it would be hard to bet against this one ending all square.



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Steve Evans, manager of Rotherham United during the Pre Season Friendly match between Rotherham United and Nottingham Forest at The New York Stadium on July 23, 2014
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