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Bristol Rovers
League One | Gameweek 46
May 7, 2023 at 12pm UK
Memorial Stadium
Bolton logo

Bristol Rovers
2 - 3
Bolton

Hoole (28'), Marquis (84')
Connolly (90+3')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Shoretire (24'), N'Lundulu (70'), Morley (77')
Sheehan (11'), Thomason (53'), N'Lundulu (90+3')

Preview: Bristol Rovers vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's League One clash between Bristol Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Bolton Wanderers make the trip to Bristol Rovers on Sunday afternoon looking to put themselves in the best frame of mind possible ahead of the League One playoffs.

At a time when the visitors will want to retain hold of fifth spot in the standings, Bristol Rovers will want to end a dismal run to try to finish as high as 14th position.


Match preview

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt celebrates after winning the EFL Trophy Final on April 2, 2023© Reuters

On the back of winning the Papa John's Trophy, Ian Evatt needed his Bolton side to quickly switch their attention to making sure of a playoff spot.

While consistency has become an issue, the Trotters have gotten over the line courtesy of 14 points being collected from their following seven games.

Losing 1-0 at home to Accrington Stanley on April 25 threatened to derail Bolton, but they responded with a necessary 2-0 win over Fleetwood Town in their next outing.

Keeping another clean sheet at their home ground means that Bolton end the regular season having conceded just 13 times on their own patch, and the next goal will be to extend their current away streak.

Bolton have put together a five-game unbeaten run on their travels, although this upcoming fixture represents their first away game since April 18.

From the perspective of Joey Barton, Bristol Rovers are ending the season in a manner which they do not necessarily deserve with six matches passing by without success.

However, four of those games were against top-seven clubs and Bristol Rovers have not conceded more than twice in any of their contests during that winless streak.

Another game versus a promotion candidate follows on Sunday, yet Barton will be delighted to return to the Memorial Stadium after four successive away fixtures.

Just six victories have been posted from 22 outings on familiar territory this campaign, but a seventh could catapult the club up two places and into 14th to end a strong first season back in the third tier on a high note.

Bristol Rovers League One form:

Bolton Wanderers League One form:


Team News

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton pictured in May 2021© Reuters

Having been rested in midweek, Aaron Collins could be brought back into the Bristol Rovers attack.

Luca Hoole may also be recalled at right-back, with Antony Evans potentially returning to the side ahead of Lamare Bogarde who will return to parent club Aston Villa after this game.

Evatt must weigh up how many Bolton players to rest ahead of their upcoming playoff semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday or Barnsley.

Conor Bradley, the outfield player with the most minutes, and Dion Charles, the club's top goalscorer, are prime candidates to drop to the substitutes' bench.

Kyle Dempsey may also be handed a break, with Aaron Morley and Victor Adeboyejo among those who could be recalled.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Balcombe; Hoole, Quansah, Gibson, Gordon; Evans, Ward, Finley; Marquis, Coburn, Collins

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Jones, Toal, Johnston; R. Williams, Dempsey, M. Williams, John; Lee; Kachunga, Adeboyejo


SM words green background

We say: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Bolton Wanderers

While Bolton endured a blip versus Accrington, they have ended the season strongly, which is in sharp contrast to their hosts. With that in mind, we expect the visitors to battle their way to victory in the South West.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data


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Written by
Darren Plant

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Game History

How you voted: Bristol Rovers vs Bolton

Bristol Rovers
33.3%
Draw
33.3%
Bolton Wanderers
33.3%
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