Bolton Wanderers host Rotherham United on Tuesday evening, hoping to continue their playoff push in League One.
Having dropped out of the playoff places after Reading’s 1-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, the Trotters moved straight back into sixth with a 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers later that day.
Match preview
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Aaron Collins headed in the only goal of the game, as Bolton secured their second win of the week, having beaten local rivals Wigan Athletic by the same scoreline last Tuesday.
Those two results were the perfect response to a three-game losing streak in the league for the hosts, having lost to Blackpool, Stockport County and Bristol Rovers in quick succession in March.
Saturday’s victory against the Gas meant that Steven Schumacher‘s side secured back-to-back victories for the first time in almost a month, and they appear to have got back on track following their recent blip.
The race for the playoffs is tight, and although Bolton are sixth heading into this clash, both Reading and Huddersfield Town will be hoping to take advantage of any potential slips in the coming weeks.
The Royals are only one point behind them in the standings, while Huddersfield are a point further back from Schumacher’s men.
Bolton will be hoping that their high-scoring attack will be able to help maintain the club’s playoff push, as the Trotters have scored 62 goals in their 40 games this season.
On Tuesday, they will also be looking to continue their impressive record at home this season, with the Trotters winning 11 of their 20 home matches during this campaign.
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They host a Rotherham side that have struggled on their travels all season, having only won four matches on the road in the league.
Having suffered relegation to League One last season, the Millers had hoped to be in contention for promotion straight back to the Championship this season.
However, the season has not gone to plan for Rotherham, as they parted ways with manager Steve Evans at the end of March, after a 4-0 defeat to Crawley Town left them in 16th position in League One.
The visitors have made a bright start to life under interim boss Matt Hamshaw, who has guided the club to two consecutive wins since taking over from Evans.
After beating Northampton Town 2-0 in his opening match, the Millers secured a dramatic late win against Blackpool at the weekend, as Joe Rafferty scored a last-minute winner to secure another three points.
The six points gained in the past week have alleviated any fears of the club being relegated for the second year in a row, with Rotherham now 14th in the table and 12 points clear of danger.
With the playoffs realistically out of reach, the remaining games will be seen as an audition for Hamshaw’s future at the club.
If he continues to get positive results, Hamshaw could find himself in the job permanently come next season.
After such an impressive start at the club, including that rare away win at Northampton, they will be looking to build momentum on the road with another victory on Tuesday evening.
The Millers secured all three points in the last meeting between the club back in January, as they won 3-1 at home to Bolton back in January, a result that piled the pressure on ex-Bolton boss Ian Evatt.
Team News
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The hosts could be without Szabolcs Schon for this clash due to a calf issue that he suffered against Wigan earlier this month.
The Hungary international missed the weekend’s win over Bristol Rovers, and he will face a late fitness test ahead of this match.
In further blows for the hosts, Ricardo Santos and Victor Adeboyejo remain long-term absentees for Wanderers.
Meanwhile, the visitors have several injury concerns, with Sean Raggett (knee) and Alex MacDonald (hip) out for the rest of the season.
Elsewhere, Andre Green (Achilles), Dan Gore, Josh Kayode (calf), Shaun McWilliams (hamstring) and Zak Jules (hamstring) are all expected to miss this match.
Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Baxter; Osei-Tutu, Johnston, Forino-Joseph, Forrester, Cogley; Morley, Sheehan, Gomes; McAtee, Collins
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Dawson; James, Humphreys, Odoffin, Rafferty; Ruddock, Kelly, Powell, Sibley; Wilks, Nombe
We say: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham should not be underestimated for this clash, as they have had a couple of wins on the bounce under their interim boss Hamshaw.
However, Bolton have performed well at home this season, so we think they will edge a close match on Tuesday evening.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
