- Recent form: Bolton have won five of their last ten matches in all competitions (D3, L2). Preston have won three of their last ten (L7).
- Defence record: Bolton have conceded just three goals in four home matches in all competitions this season (W2, D1, L1). Preston have conceded 13 goals in seven away matches in all competitions this term (W3, L4).
- Form comparison: Bolton have two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five matches, while Preston have one win and four defeats from their last five.
Tight game expected in Lancashire
Odds and expectations
Bolton Wanderers look the likelier winners at home to Preston North End this Saturday afternoon, but the odds on offer and both sides' numbers since mid-September suggest a close encounter is on the cards at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Wanderers are 2.18 to beat the Lilywhites who are priced up at 3.15 for the victory, which indicates a home win is anticipated by the oddsmakers and a healthy percentage of the betting public.
Bolton form
Bolton have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five competitive matches, a run which has seen them grind out a few positive results against lower-ranked teams. Steven Schumacher's men played out a 0-0 draw with Everton at home, drew 1-1 with Fleetwood Town away and beat NAC Breda 1-0 in the previous round. The Bolton boss has got his players playing an adaptable, front-foot brand of soccer with width and a willingness to switch formations to get bodies forward, which has given them a lively look.
Preston form
Preston have suffered a poor run of one win and four defeats in their last five, including a current four-game losing streak, that has seen Paul Heckingbottom's side come up short in several areas. The Lilywhites are coming off three consecutive defeats: 0-1 to Cambridge United at home, 2-3 to Bradford City away and 0-1 to Stockport County away. Heckingbottom has got them playing in a compact and structured manner and they are usually on the front foot with their wing-backs, pressing triggers and quick vertical transitions.
Bolton can outguns Preston in a low-scoring affair
The contrasting styles of these two sides should make for a tasty tactical clash on Saturday, but we don't think Bolton will be able to bust open Preston's compact defensive structure as easily as they have some of the weaker teams in the division. The hosts have got some life in their attacking line and the visitors will have to bite if they manage to win turnovers in transition.
While the home team should have enough to edge this contest in 90 minutes, the odds and the numbers suggest a tight, low-scoring game is the most likely scenario.
- The main goal threat for Bolton in this current five-game run has been Ruben Rodrigues, who has four of the club's five goals during that period.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.8 and Both Teams to Score – No at 1.95 makes more appeal than the home win at 2.18.
