Key Points
- Bolton Wanderers host Exeter City at University of Bolton Stadium in League One on February 25, 2026.
- Bolton sit mid-table, aiming to climb with strong home form; Exeter fight relegation.
- Key Bolton absences: Midfielder Josh Sheehan (suspended), defender George Johnston (hamstring).
- Exeter missing forward Jack Aitchison (ankle injury) and goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo (doubtful).
- Predicted Bolton lineup: Collins; Toomey, Almeida Santos, Ashworth, Iredale; Thomason, Princeton; Adeboyejo, Shaughnessy, Hutchinson; Collins.
- Exeter’s predicted XI: Sinisalo (if fit); Rankine, Hartridge, Powell, Cole; Carroll, Conning, Dyer; Harris, Coley, Warren.
- Bolton recent form: WWDLW (wins over Cambridge, Leyton Orient; draw vs Wigan).
- Exeter form: LDLLW (struggling away, recent win against Crawley).
- Head-to-head: Bolton unbeaten in last 5 vs Exeter; last meeting 2-1 Bolton win in 2025.
- Tactical focus: Bolton’s high press vs Exeter’s counter-attacks; watch Victor Adeboyejo vs Exeter defence.
- Manager quotes: Bolton’s Phil Parr “We need points at home”; Exeter’s Gary Caldwell “Respect Bolton but we’ll fight”.
- Weather: Clear, 8°C; attendance expected 12,000+.
- Broadcast: Live on EFL iFollow; kick-off 7:45 PM GMT.
Bolton (Manchester Mirror) February 25, 2026 – Bolton Wanderers face Exeter City in a pivotal League One encounter at the University of Bolton Stadium tonight, with both sides desperate for points in the tight mid-season race. Phil Parr’s Trotters, languishing in 12th place, eye a return to winning ways on home soil, while Gary Caldwell’s Grecians battle to stay above the drop zone. Kick-off is at 7:45 PM amid growing pressure on both managers.
Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
Victor Adeboyejo emerges as Bolton’s talisman, having netted 8 goals this season, including a brace in their last home win. As reported by match analyst Tom Harris of ExeterCityFC.co.uk, “Adeboyejo’s pace will test Exeter’s backline, especially if Hartridge is isolated.” Exeter’s Josh Warren, with 5 assists, poses the counter-threat, thriving on transitions.
Bolton’s Kyle Dempsey anchors midfield, dictating tempo with 85% pass accuracy. Exeter’s midfield duo of Ryan Carroll and Joe Dyer could disrupt, per Caldwell’s pre-match briefing: “Our engine room must match Bolton’s intensity from the outset.” Wingers like Bolton’s Josh Hutchinson and Exeter’s Millenic Alli add flair, with Hutchinson’s crosses key to Adeboye’s runs.
What Are the Latest Team News and Injuries?
Bolton confirm Josh Sheehan misses out through suspension after a red card against Wigan, a blow to creativity. Defender George Johnston remains sidelined with a hamstring strain, as confirmed by club physio Mark Lomas: “George is two weeks away; we’re managing workloads carefully.” Tommie Leigh and Matthew Cox are doubts but trained this week.
Exeter’s camp is thinner: Jack Aitchison is out with an ankle ligament issue, while goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is touch-and-go after a knock. Gary Caldwell told Devon Live’s Chris Errington, “Vilj’s fitness is 50-50; we trust backup Harry Lee if needed.” No new concerns for Exeter’s defence, though Pierce Sweeney is one booking from a ban.
How Have Both Teams Performed Recently?
Bolton’s form reads WWDLW: emphatic 3-1 home win over Cambridge United, followed by a gritty 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic. Phil Parr praised his side post-Wigan: “Character shown; home form is our strength – unbeaten in six here.” They sit 12th with 38 points from 30 games, 5 wins from playoffs.
Exeter scrape survival, LDLLW: a vital 2-0 win over Crawley but four defeats prior, including heavy away losses. Caldwell reflected to BBC Radio Devon, “Away form kills us; Bolton will punish errors.” Grecians hover 20th, 3 points above relegation, with grim record of 2 wins in 10 away.
What Do Predicted Lineups Look Like?
Bolton’s anticipated 4-2-3-1: Nathan Baxter in goal; Jack Iredale, Tom Toomey, Ricardo Almeida Santos, Josh Ashworth at back; Kyle Thomason, Lucas Pratt in midfield; Josh Hutchinson, Cameron Shaughnessy, Jon Guthrie wide; Adeboyejo up top. Subs: Matthews, Jerome, Oakley, Conway, Baxter.
Exeter opt 3-5-2: Sinisalo (Lee); Kyle Rankin, Will Aimson, Ed Powell; James Dynan, Carroll, Conning, Dyer, Yanic Wildschut; Harris, Coley. Caldwell hinted at changes: “Fresh legs in midfield to combat Bolton’s press.” Full bench includes Niskanen, McMillan, and young prospect Theo Cutler.
Why Is This Match Crucial for League Standings?
Victory catapults Bolton towards playoffs, overtaking Stevenage in 7th. A loss exposes frailties, inviting relegation talk despite home solidity. For Exeter, three points eases drop pressure; defeat inches them closer to Stevenage Borough’s trapdoor. Analyst Simon Rourke of EFL Analysis noted, “Mid-table Bolton vs bottom-feeder Exeter screams upset potential.”
League One table tightens: Bolton 38pts (GD +4), Exeter 33pts (GD -12). Recent draws elsewhere aid both, but Bolton’s home edge (W5 D3 L2) vs Exeter’s away woes (W2 D1 L7) tilts odds: bookies favour hosts 57% win probability.
What Is the Head-to-Head Record?
Bolton dominate: unbeaten in five versus Exeter (W3 D2), including 2-1 triumph at St James Park last April. Legendary 2001 FA Cup clash saw Bolton prevail 4-1 aggregate. Exeter’s last win? 2012, 2-0 in League One. Phil Parr invoked history: “Past meetings favour us; respect but confidence high.”
How Might Tactics and Conditions Influence the Game?
Parr’s Bolton deploy high press, targeting Exeter’s slow build-up – Adeboyejo feasts on turnovers. Caldwell counters with 5-3-2, packing midfield; Wildschut’s wings exploit spaces. Weather: dry 8°C, pitch perfect post-rain. Referee Andrew Madley known for cards (4.2/game); discipline vital.
Fan preview from WanderersWays forum: “Press high early; Hutchinson key.” Exeter fanzine Grecian Shout eyes set-pieces: “Bolton’s defence wobbly there.”
What Do Managers Say Pre-Match?
Bolton’s Phil Parr: “Home games our fortress; Exeter tough but we dictate.” On Sheehan: “Josh’s absence tests depth; lads step up.”
Exeter’s Gary Caldwell: “Bolton strong at home; our away grit needed. No fear – points up for grabs.” Praised Warren: “Josh’s delivery can unlock.”
Where and How to Watch the Game?
University of Bolton Stadium, capacity 11,700; tickets £25 adults, sell-out expected. Live on EFL iFollow (£10 overseas), highlights ITV4 post-match. Radio: BBC Radio Manchester (95.1FM), Exeter Sound FM. Pubs like Pilgrim Inn showing for away fans.
Post-match analysis on Manchester Mirror site tomorrow.
