Tranmere vs Bolton Predictions

Prior to a ball being kicked, Tranmere would’ve been heavy favourites to be the side out of this pair with something to show for their efforts after two games, though it’s Bolton who come into this game with a point, while Saturday’s hosts remain empty handed. After seeing his side lose each of their first two matches, Tranmere boss Micky Mellon will hope that facing an inexperienced Bolton side at home sparks the first three points of the campaign.

After struggling defensively on match-day one, Tranmere would’ve been hoping to keep things nice and tight last weekend, though a trip to Fratton Park didn’t really present them with the ideal opportunity to do that. Right from the word go, Rovers looked as though they’d be in for a backs-to-the-wall afternoon, and that’s exactly what happened. Unfortunately, try as they might, Mellon’s side were unable to withstand the Pompey pressure, as they surrendered two goals and 1.95 expected goals.

After two matches, Tranmere have looked surprisingly easy to get at in the defensive third, though their opening-day efforts bode well ahead of a match against a struggling Bolton.

It’s impossible not to feel for Bolton at present; the club is in tatters both on and off the pitch. Manager Phil Parkinson has no choice but to field sides almost entirely comprised of inexperienced youngsters. Given their current predicament, both Trotters’ players and fans should be applauded for continuing to give their all.

On the pitch last time out, Bolton failed to really get involved going forward, though they once again showed great fight and determination. Not only did they battle hard, but they remained resistant at the back, which allowed them to take a point of a very useful Coventry side.

It’s tough to see the Trotters going to Prenton Park and overpowering the hosts, but after delivering a disciplined effort last week, the young visitors will fancy themselves to frustrate.

All the time Bolton are forced to go with a squad of players that would normally be playing academy/reserve team football, their opponents will rightly be odds-on in the betting, though it’s easy to feel that Tranmere are slightly short at around odds of 2/7. Yes, this is the perfect opportunity for Rovers to get their campaign up and running, but their early-season efforts certainly don’t point towards them winning as easy as the current odds suggest.

At the prices, ‘Bolton +1.25 Asian Handicap’ stands out. The visitors lack quality and firepower, but they’re not lacking in desire. Add in the fact that they’re coming off the back of frustrating a more capable side than Tranmere and Phil Parkinson’s youngsters look a good price to avoid a heavy defeat.

Those looking to profit from nailing the score-line should try a 1-1 draw. Siding with Bolton to get something from this game won’t be for everyone, but they come here having held off a good side last weekend, while this is perhaps their easiest test of the campaign so far. The fact that they’re up against a side that has given plenty away during the early weeks could also help them to offer a bit more going forward.