Wrexham vs Bolton Wanderers: League One Promotion Battle
- Saturday 1st March 2025
- Sky Bet League One
- Kick-off: 12.30pm
- Referee: D. Bourne
- Venue: STōK Cae Ras
Two heavyweights in the League One promotion race face off as Wrexham host Bolton Wanderers at Stōk Cae Ras. Wrexham come into this match sitting in third place, just three points off the automatic promotion spots, while Bolton sit in eighth place, just outside the play-off spots on goal difference. This clash is crucial for both teams as they push for promotion.
Wrexham’s Push for Promotion
Wrexham, under Phil Parkinson, are having an excellent campaign in League One. They have won three out of their last five games in all competitions, including a 1-0 victory over Bolton in the EFL Trophy quarterfinals. However, Wrexham will need to bounce back after suffering a setback in the EFL Trophy semi-final, where they lost to Peterborough in a second-half comeback.
Wrexham’s form in the league has been solid, with only one loss in their last five matches, but their home form has been inconsistent. Their last home win came in early January, so they will be looking to build on this as they face Bolton.
Bolton Wanderers’ Playoff Push
For Bolton Wanderers, this season has been turbulent with mixed results, but new manager Steven Schumacher has gotten The Trotters back in contention for a playoff spot. They have won three of their last five league games, with their most important win being a 2-1 victory over fellow promotion rivals Leyton Orient.
Bolton’s attacking force has been effective, scoring nine goals in their last five games, but their defense has been leaky, conceding eight goals. Bolton travel to North Wales at the right time, with Wrexham’s last home win coming back in early January.
Wrexham vs Bolton Wanderers: Key Team News
Wrexham:
- Andy Cannon (midfield) is ruled out after suffering a serious knee injury in Wrexham’s victory over Mansfield.
- Defensive duo Luke Bolton and Will Boyle are also out with injuries, while goalkeeper Callum Burton remains unavailable.
Bolton Wanderers :
- Striker Victor Adeboyejo is a doubt after limping off in Bolton’s 2-1 win against Leyton Orient.
- Kyle Dempsey remains unavailable due to a long-term knee injury.
Key Players to Watch
For Wrexham, Ollie Rathbone has been in excellent form, with two goals and one assist in his last four league games, taking his total to five goals and three assists for the season. Rathbone’s recent form could be key in breaking down Bolton’s defense.
For Bolton Wanderers, John McAtee has been in terrific form, scoring three goals in his last two games. McAtee has contributed to 11 league goals this season, and his attacking threat will be something Wrexham will need to watch closely.
Wrexham vs Bolton Wanderers Prediction
This match is expected to be a tightly contested encounter, much like their previous meeting in the EFL Trophy, which ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Wrexham. Despite their recent struggles at home, Stōk Cae Ras remains a tough place to visit, and with Wrexham players eager to bounce back after their EFL Trophy disappointment, the hosts could just edge out Bolton in this vital promotion clash.
Writer’s Prediction: Wrexham 2-1 Bolton Wanderers