Oxford United travel to Bolton on Saturday as the U’s look to continue their strong start to the season. Last time out, Karl Robinson’s side saw off Crewe to take them onto seven points from their opening three league games.
As for newly-promoted Bolton, they’ve made a steady return to League One with two draws and one win. However, both of their draws ended 3-3 against MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon respectively, highlighting strengths and weaknesses at both ends of the pitch. That said, they have managed to keep two clean sheets during a goalless draw against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup and a 1-0 win at Lincoln last time out.
The U’s have their injury concerns ahead of the game. Sam Long is still sidelined but Elliott Moore and Anthony Forde could return. Nathan Holland, Ryan Williams and Billy Bodin all suffered knocks against Crewe.
As for the Trotters, Amadou Bakayoko is absent after the attacker picked up a calf strain against Lincoln and Xavier Amaechi remains sidelined.
Bolton boss Ian Evatt has allowed ten players to depart but the former Barrow manager has brought in several new faces, including Amadou Bakayoko from Coventry, Josh Sheehan from Newport County and Elias Kachunga from Sheffield Wednesday.
Two seasons ago, the two sides only met once before the season was curtailed and the match ended goalless. The U’s have managed just one win from the last nine meetings against the Trotters.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Steve Seddon, Jordan Thorniley, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Marcus McGuane, Gavin Whyte, Mark Sykes, Sam Winnall.
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Oxford United
