An interesting clash takes place in the first round of the Carabao Cup this weekend, as Sheffield Wednesday take on Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
The Owls will be looking forward to a season without any financial hangovers from the season prior, as their takeover was completed at the end of the season, which would have come as much relief for the Sheffield Wednesday faithful. Now with the freedom to kick on as a club, the Owls are one of the favourites for the League 1 title, with odds of 11/2, just behind Leicester City.
Sheffield Wednesday's pre-season has been mixed, as they have had damaging defeats to Oldham (4-0) and West Brom (0-3), while gaining a credible victory against Championship side Preston North End (3-2). This summer, Sheffield Wednesday have been active in the market, signing the likes of Mason Burstow and, in particular, Louie Barry. The former Aston Villa forward had an injury-hit campaign for Stockport County last season, but managed three goals in six matches. The previous season, Barry was in exceptional form with 15 goals in 22 league starts.
Bolton Wanderers achieved promotion back to the Championship last season, and their preparation has been excellent. Despite a defeat in their first pre-season fixture against DAC 1904, the Trotters have bounced back to go four games unbeaten during pre-season, including a win recently against Dutch side NAC Breda (1-0). Competitively, Bolton ended their season with three straight wins, which confirmed their promotion to the Championship.
Bolton Wanderers have moved to sign experience in their backline, with the shrewd pick-up of Ben Davies from Rangers.
Admittedly though, Sheffield Wednesday will be buoyant heading into this game and last season they eliminated Bolton Wanderers on penalties in the exact round of this competition.
That being said, we can see a similar pattern again here.
Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
