Verdict: Bolton Wanderers win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Still looking to put a maiden League One point on the board, Reading will travel to Bolton on Wednesday night.
Bolton Wanderers
Starting with the hosts, while Bolton might have enjoyed a stellar run during their summer preparations, the Wanderers have struggled to find any real fluidity since opening up the 2025/26 campaign. Getting proceedings underway with a 2-0 defeat away at Stockport on August 3rd, Steven Schumacher’s side have claimed just a single win from any of their first four appearances across all competitions. Suffering EFL Cup heartbreak at home against Sheffield Wednesday last week, the former Plymouth boss could have some mounting pressure on his shoulders. With their sights firmly set on booking a play-off ticket this season, the midweek hosts should be smelling a potential opportunity here. Pencilled in as a standout contender in midweek, Bolton are desperate to kickstart their top-six charge.
Bolton Wanderers Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Bolton will once again be without the duo of Victor Abeboyejo and former Gillingham midfielder Kyle Dempsey on Wednesday night. Likewise, despite completing a permanent switch from Wrexham this summer, Sam Dalby remains a major doubt.
Coming off the bench and bagging a late equaliser away at Barnsley last weekend, John McAtee could be handed a full recall. One-time Liverpool youngster George Johnston will partner Eoin Toal at the heart of Schumacher’s defence.
Reading
As for the visitors, while Reading might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign dreaming of the chance to mount their own respective play-off charge, Noel Hunt’s side have shown a string of glaring issues. Last seen over the weekend getting hit with a 2-1 loss at home against AFC Wimbledon, the Royals have come under a hefty amount of recent scrutiny. Getting proceedings underway with consecutive 2-0 defeats against Lincoln and Huddersfield, the Berkshire-based outfit have lost all of their first three League One appearances. One of just three third-tier clubs who are still waiting to put a maiden point on the board, Hunt’s downbeat squad look set for another stern examination here. It should also be noted, Reading slumped to an action-packed 5-2 defeat when they travelled to Bolton last season.
Reading Team News
Yet to make a single appearance since opening up the new campaign, former Bradford defender Paudie O’Connor remains a real doubt here. Completing a loan switch from Brighton this summer, Kamari Doyle could make a first League One start on Wednesday night.
Making a full return against AFC Wimbledon over the weekend and opening his League One account, Lewis Wing will partner Charlie Savage in the middle of the park. One-time Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira will start between the sticks here.
Bolton Wanderers vs Reading Key Factors to Consider
- When Bolton last welcomed Reading to town back in September 2024, the Wanderers collected an action-packed 5-2 victory.
- In fact, Bolton are unbeaten in all of their last four home meetings against the Royals (two wins, two draws).
- Reading have lost all of their first three League One appearances by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- Bolton collected just a single point from any of their final three League One showdowns on home soil last season.
- Four of the last five meetings between Bolton and Reading have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Struggling to find any real stability since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, Bolton will be desperate to get their play-off charge back underway on Wednesday night. Landing an action-packed 5-2 victory when they welcomed Reading to town back in September 2024, the Wanderers should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Watching the midweek guests lose all of their first three League One showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-1, Bolton are also unbeaten in all of their previous four home fixtures against the Royals.
Verdict: Bolton Wanderers win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
