Bolton Wanderers preview

Newport County AFC make their return to Rodney Parade on Monday with a clash against high-flying Bolton Wanderers.

Here, you can find all the facts and statistics ahead of this Sky Bet League Two fixture...

The opposition - Bolton Wanderers

Bolton come into the weekend’s match in third place with 64 points, having won 18, drawn 10 and lost 10 in Sky Bet League Two this season.

The Trotters have been in ruthless form of late, currently on a 14-match unbeaten run that stretches back to January 30th. This run is made even more impressive as it includes just three draws.

After taking time to find their feet in the division, Bolton now look amongst the solid favourites for promotion, and with a strong finish could even push for the league title.

Team news

Exiles boss Michael Flynn has admitted that rotation is on the cards in the coming weeks due to the hectic schedule until the end of the season. One boost for the Exiles boss is that defender Ryan Haynes could make a return to the squad after a few weeks out through injury.

Bolton Wanderers have no fresh injury concerns, but remain without Antoni Sarcevic, Dennis Politic and Liam Edwards as they continue their rehab.

One to watch – Eoin Doyle

Eoin Doyle is a name that is sure to strike fear into the heart of any League Two defender after his last two campaigns. So far this season, Doyle has 16 goals for Bolton and sits as the division’s third top scorer.

This follows on from last season, where the Irishman finished as the top scorer in the league on 25 goals, and propelled Swindon to the top of the table.

The 33-year-old signed for Bolton in July after turning down offers from Sky Bet League One clubs to play at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Manager – Ian Evatt

Ian Evatt took over at the University of Bolton Stadium in July 2020 after leaving newly-promoted Barrow. After a tough start at Wanderers, Evatt now has his team flying with their sights set firmly on Sky Bet League One football next season.

Just two wins from his opening 11 league games in charge turned out to be just a blip for the Englishman, with his side now in impressive form having not lost since the end of January.

Prior to taking over at Bolton, the 38-year-old guided Barrow to promotion to the Football League for the first time in 48 years, as they won the National League last season.

Last meeting between the sides

When the sides met earlier in the season, it was their first encounter since 1988. On this occasion, Newport came away from the University of Bolton Stadium with all three points.

A second half double from Tristan Abrahams was enough for the Exiles to make the long trip back to South Wales with a 2-0 victory.