Bolton Wanderers go into Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two encounter against Exeter City at the University of Bolton Stadium knowing that a victory will seal automatic promotion and an immediate return to League One.
With just two games of league campaign remaining and a four-point gap between them and their nearest rivals, a win against the Grecians will render what Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe attain in their respective games immaterial.
Pre-match quotes:
Ian Evatt: “They’ve got to win. They’re still outside of the play-offs, some results went their way and others didn’t on Tuesday. We’ve been in that position as well.
"I expect it to be an open and attacking game. I think Exeter will come, put loads of crosses in the box, flood forwards with runners and it’s just about us then being composed in transition and to make the right decisions, and take the game to them. I think it’ll be a good game.”
Matt Taylor: “Bolton is the best stadium and pitch in the league. I imagine they will be trying to get promoted and we will be trying to get to where we want but it has to be two wins without a shadow of a doubt.”
How to Watch:
Wanderers’ supporters can watch the game against Exeter City by purchasing an iFollow BWFC video match pass for just £10 - you don’t have to miss a kick.
An iFollow BWFC video match pass will ensure supporters do not miss a minute of the action, with the entire match streamed through any compatible laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device in the United Kingdom.
Team News:
Declan John is fully fit after missing last weekend’s victory at Morecambe with a knee injury while captain Antoni Sarcevic could be set for a starting role after returning to action from the bench at the Mazuma Stadium.
Ian Evatt is blessed with a full complement of players to choose from for his side’s biggest game of the season.
Form:
Following their narrow defeat at Grimsby Town a fortnight ago, Wanderers responded with two successive victories against Carlisle United and Morecambe to maintain their momentum which has put them on the verge of a remarkable promotion with a game to spare.
The visitors' victory against Grimsby last time out, puts them in contention for a possible play-off berth, but it was their first win in five games following three successive draws and a defeat to Barrow.
Last Time Out
Arthur Gnahoua came off the bench to cancel out an unfortunate Ricardo Almeida Santos own goal at St James’ Park in January.
It was the forward’s second goal in a Wanderers shirt and it came just two minutes after he replaced Nathan Delfouneso.
Match Officials:
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistants: Wayne Grunill and David Avent
Fourth Official: Kevin Mulraine