Bolton Wanderers are back in the Championship for the first time since 2016 following their promotion last season. Steven Schumacher will be keen to ensure the Whites are competitive, and potentially even avoid a relegation battle altogether. The Whites have been active in the transfer market, bringing in a number of signings to bolster their chances of survival. Here, we look at what their dream starting XI could be when they face Preston North End in their opening game of the new campaign on August 15.
Who's in the Starting XI?
The Whites have been linked with a loan move for Kayne van Oevelen, and the newly-signed Ipswich Town player could be the right man to take over the number one spot for the new campaign, having impressed in the Eredivisie last year with Voldendam.
What's the Left-Back Situation?
Max Conway firmly cemented himself as the starting left-back at Bolton last season after loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Fylde. The 22-year-old, who appeared 44 times in League One last season across the regular campaign and the play-offs, has earned the chance to keep his place in the team for life in the second tier, with a starting position against Preston likely.
Who's the New Centre-Back?
Eoin Toal featured 37 times in League One last season, and is club captain under Schumacher, so his place in the team seems quite secure. The centre-back has never played in the second tier of English football, but has earned the chance to show what he can do at this level.
Who's the New Right-Back?
Luca Stephenson joined from Liverpool earlier this summer in a £700,000 deal, and he is an exciting addition to the squad, capable of playing in defence or in midfield. And he has the chance to cement himself as the starting right-back at the start of the new campaign, as he will likely be given the nod against Preston over Spaniard Gaizka Larrazabal, who can also play more further forward as a winger, and Cyrus Christie too.
Who's the New Midfielder?
Josh Sheehan has been a mainstay for the Whites over the last five seasons, and he registered three goals and four assists to help Bolton earn promotion last year. The midfielder has earned the chance to compete in the Championship, and could be Schumacher’s choice to partner new signing David Watson.
What's the Verdict on David Watson?
Having racked up nearly 100 top flight appearances in Scotland at the age of 21, David Watson has arrived as a free agent from Kilmarnock, and the midfielder is an exciting addition to Schumacher’s engine room options.
