Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Sheffield Wednesday

Bolton Wanderers will once again be looking for their first win of the new Championship season when they host Sheffield Wednesday at the Macron Stadium on Saturday.

The Trotters find themselves languishing in the relegation zone after five matches and, although it is still very early days in the season, there have been worrying signs for the club so far.

They go into this weekend's match on the back of three consecutive league defeats, including a 1-0 loss at the hands of managerless Leeds United in their last outing before the international break.

Dougie Freedman will be scratching his head as to why his side aren't picking up results, with their solitary point so far coming against league leaders Nottingham Forest - proof that they can mix it with the best on their day.

A busy transfer window ended with little action on deadline day for Bolton, but they have since brought in Owen Garvan from Crystal Palace on loan.

The midfielder could play some part this weekend, while fellow summer signing Kevin McNaughton may return at right-back for the hosts.

Wednesday, meanwhile, have made a strong start to the campaign, but travel to Bolton having lost for the first time this season before the international break.

There is certainly no shame in being beaten 1-0 by top-of-the-table Forest, but manager Stuart Gray will be desperate for his side to make an immediate return to winning ways in order to maintain their early-season momentum.

Eight points from the opening five games suggest that Wednesday could potentially push for a top-half finish this year, and wins against struggling sides such as Bolton are key if they are to achieve that goal.

Royston Drenthe joined the Owls on loan on deadline day and could feature for his new side this weekend, but Gray will be without skipper Glenn Loovens, who is suspended for the clash.

Kamil Zayatte and new signing Claude Dielna are in a straight race to replace Loovens in the centre of defence, but there should be no change further up the field, with Atdhe Nuhiu and Stevie May leading the line.

Recent form

Bolton: WDLLWL

Sheff Weds: WDDWWL

Possible starting lineups

Bolton: Bogdan; McNaughton, Mills, Wheater, Ream; Kamara, Spearing, Danns, Lee; Mason, Davies

Sheff Weds: Westwood; Palmer, Zayatte, Lees, Mattock; Maguire, Coke, Semedo, Maghoma; May, Nuhiu

Sports Mole says: 1-1