'Backing the underdogs' – Walsall vs Bolton Wanderers prediction: The72
Today at 06:28 AM
Bolton Wanderers travel to face League Two outfit Walsall in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Bolton Wanderers have seemingly recovered in recent weeks following a slow start to their League One campaign, now sat 6th in the table.
Ian Evatt’s men have lost just one of their last eight fixtures in all competitions, only tasting defeat at the hands of table toppers Birmingham City during that spell. They beat Stevenage 4-1 away from home last time out.
The Whites found the net through Ricardo Santos, John McAtee, Victor Adeboyejo and Dion Charles in their recent victory and supporters will be hopeful of a similar triumph this weekend.
Walsall, meanwhile, have enjoyed a very promising opening to their fourth tier campaign and currently occupy 2nd spot after their opening 13 fixtures.
The Saddlers have endured defeat just once in their last 10 outings in all competitions, that being a shock 6-2 defeat on home soil against Fleetwood Town. They have notched nine goals in their last four games, during which they have won twice and drawn twice.
Mat Sadler’s side will surely relish the underdog tag ahead of Bolton Wanderers’ visit, though they will have to be at their best if they are to progress to the next round.
Here, a handful of our writers make their prediction for the game…
Jacob Hackett
“The FA Cup is famous for providing upsets, and there is no reason why Walsall can’t book their spot in the next round.
“Bolton Wanderers are bound to be solely focused on securing a long-awaited return to the Championship, so rotation is to be expected and the Saddlers may well take advantage.
“Having said that, Sadler’s side have a promotion push of their own in mind and could also easily see a few tweaks to their side.
“This has the potential to be a frustrating encounter for both teams, so I am backing the underdogs progress on penalties after a draw.”
Prediction: Walsall (P) 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
James Ray
“Walsall have had a great start to the season and on home turf, both the players and the fans are sure to be right up for this one.
“Bolton Wanderers have been finding their feet after a poor start though and I can see them coming into this one with nothing but victory on their mind. Evatt should field a strong side to give them the best chance of progressing and maintaining their improving confidence.
“This should be a competitive game, but I’ll go for an away win.”
Prediction: Walsall 1-3 Bolton Wanderers
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