Match Preview | Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic make the short trip to face Bolton Wanderers in a fierce local derby that always delivers drama. Latics enjoyed a memorable 2-0 victory at the Toughsheet last season, extending an unbeaten run against our rivals that stretched back a decade, before it was heartbreak on April Fools’ Day when Bolton snatched a last-minute 1-0 win at The Brick Community Stadium. With bragging rights back on the line, both sides will be desperate to make their mark in what promises to be another fiery encounter.
Current Standings and Recent Form
Wigan Athletic: 8th
In what is arguably Wigan’s biggest game of the season, they approach it coming off the back of a mighty 3-0 thrashing over Doncaster Rovers, a game in which the Latics were on top off from start to finish. When it comes to Derby days Ryan Lowe is vastly experienced with these sorts of fixtures, from his time as Preston North End gaffer, which saw away trips to bitter rivals Blackburn and Blackpool, and I’m hopeful he can successfully get the boys into the right mentality for such a big game. The players are in form, the away fans will be bringing a full support, just need to keep calm and give the 110%.
Bolton Wanderers: 12th
Despite April’s delight, it was a long ten years for the Wanderers, and regardless of Chris Forino’s last minute winner, Bolton are by no means going to have a straight forward match. September has seen an improvement in the sides form, with 2 wins and a draw, the draw being the most recent result, a match away at Leyton Orient that ended 1-1, with Amario Cozier-Duberry bagging a 94th’ minute equaliser for the side, a player the Latics will have to watch like hawks for the full 90 minutes no doubt. In essence, it’s fair to say that Bolton boss Steven Schumacher, has got the side in a very under par table position, with the vast majority of the footballing community expecting more from Wanderers this season.
Head-to-Head Record
Wigan Wins: 22
Draws: 14
Bolton Wanderers Wins: 18
Predicted Lineup – Wigan
In regards to the lineup, I don’t expect any huge changes, Jason Kerr was absent versus Leyton Orient for unknown reasons, but will hopefully grace us with his presence on Saturday, but nothing is confirmed at the time of writing. As for Ollie Cooper he’s due a first start, and his confident and fiery style of play would be massive in such a monumental game.
Injuries & Suspensions
- Christian Saydee – Suspended (3 match ban)
- James Carragher: Knee Injury – returns in around 5 weeks.
- Chris Sze: Unknown injury – return date (unknown)
Score Predictions
Our human score predictions are just for fun and based on personal opinions, recent form, and match context. They are not expert advice and should never be used for things like betting or making financial decisions. For more details, please visit our disclaimer.
Curtis’ Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Wigan Athletic
💭“Despite setbacks with Saydee suspended and Carragher out injured, the Latics proved their quality with a commanding 3-0 win over Doncaster last weekend. Bolton, meanwhile, relied on a stoppage-time wonder strike from Cozier-Duberry to snatch a point at Orient — and he’ll definitely be one to watch in this derby. Wigan are still chasing that first away win of the season, and I think this is the perfect chance to get it, even if it won’t come easy.”
Charlie’s Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Wigan Athletic
💭”The Doncaster performance was one of such exceptional dominance, and with an impressive away backing the Tics should be able to come away with the plus 3 and get the bragging rights. I am expecting a Bolton goal, cause we just need to be on the look out for Cozier-Duberry he’s been phenomenal for the Wanderers so far this season, but apart from that I’m confident it will be a good day out in Horwich.”
Wigan Fan Predictions
Fred’s Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Wigan Athletic
💭”Apart from the not so decent away form but excellent home form, Wigan have always seemed to have the upper hand on Bolton. From that 3-0 win against 2nd place Doncaster I can see our boys going all out on Saturday.”
Morgan’s Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Wigan Athletic
💭”With the way we have been performing I’m expecting an entertaining match with the likes of Murray and Matt smith outshining from the squad. In terms of Bolton I have seen improvement from previous seasons because they have an experienced league one manager in Schumacher plus with the recruitments of Burstow and Sharman-Lowe they have a good talented team.”
Joe’s Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Wigan Athletic
💭”I think it’s gonna be a close game. But Wigan just come out on top with a 2-1 win. I’ll go with Murray and Mullin to score. Hoping for a great game, UTFT!”
Noah’s Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Wigan Athletic
💭”Fraser Murray to score all 4.”
Bolton Fan Predictions
BWFC_Central‘s Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Wigan Athletic
💭 “It’ll be a tough game for both sides in a cauldron of noise and an intimidating atmosphere.”
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Predictions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) predictions use data and algorithms to forecast football match outcomes based on team form, stats, and other relevant factors. While we aim for these predictions to be as accurate as possible, they are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon to make decisions, including betting. For more information, please refer to our disclaimer.
ChatGPT: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Wigan Athletic
💭 “Both sides are evenly matched so far this season with only a single point separating them. Wigan have been slightly stronger, but away at Bolton in a derby atmosphere, I can see it cancelling out into a share of the spoils.”
Grok: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Wigan Athletic
💭 “Wigan Athletic, 8th in the 2025/26 League One table with 12 points from 8 matches and buoyed by a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers, have the momentum and slight edge in form over 12th-placed Bolton Wanderers (11 points from 8 games, with three wins in five but frequent draws), with no major suspensions reported for either side, though Wigan are managing injuries like James Carragher’s thigh issue (out until mid-October), making them likely to nick a narrow victory in this tight Lancashire derby.”
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👉 If you can’t make it to the Toughsheet Community Stadium, don’t worry — we’ll be vlogging the full matchday! Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, C&C Football Vlogs, so you don’t miss it.
🎥 Relive Last Season’s Bolton Clashes
Last year’s derby days had everything. Drama, goals and late heartbreak. Our trip to the Toughsheet ended in joy as Wigan came away 2-0 winners, and we captured every moment in our away day vlog. But at The Brick, it was a different story, as Bolton nicked it 1-0 with a last-minute goal on April Fools’ Day – and we were there in the stands to film all the emotions as they unfolded. If you want to get in the derby mood, check out both of those vlogs on our YouTube channel and relive the highs and lows of last season.
Bolton (A) – 14th December 2024
Bolton (H) – 1st April 2025