* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Ah, the magic of the cup. Not as potent as it used to be, but there’s still plenty of us who keep a light burning for the early rounds of this grand old competition. Wednesday night sees the completion of the first round fixtures and a derby of sorts as Bolton make the short trip to Stockport to see who earns the highly-prestigious right to head to Rotherham in the second round.
It’s quite amazing how rarely these two sides have played each other in their combined 285-year history. They’re separated by a 30 minute car trip around Manchester and have plenty in common. Both are still on the way back up after financial implosions and both certainly feel they should be higher in the footballing pyramid than they currently are.
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As it goes Bolton are 11th in League One while County are, oh look, 11th in the National League. These two played out a 2-2 draw two weekends ago and their circumstances seem so similar I’m wondering if I’ve ever seen them both in the same room. I haven’t, for the record.
Regardless, one of these two will be in the second round and the other will be happily prioritising the league and a playoff push come 10pm on Wednesday night after this replay. With this one on BBC Two it’s suddenly quite a big game with both looking to put on a decent show in front of the watching millions. Let’s try and work out how this is going to play out through the medium of a Bet Builder.
* A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 29/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Wednesday 7.45pm: Stockport v Bolton
BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Website
Bolton to Win
For all their aforementioned similarities you can’t look past the fact that 48 teams separate these two. Bolton dominated the 2-2 draw when these two met a few days ago with County mustering just three shots on target.
Bolton had the lion’s share of the possession and ran the game in all departments other than the one the really mattered, the score line. They’ve had some time to reflect on that and put Crewe to the sword at the weekend so I think we’ll see an in form Bolton Win inside the 90 here.
Both Teams To Score
Both Teams To Score obviously landed in the first meeting between these two and feels like a really good play here. Bolton may well progress but I think County will give them a run for their money.
The 5th tier outfit score loads of goals and have netted in their last nine in all competitions. Bolton’s defence has been far from watertight this season but they are improving with two shutouts in their last three. However, with the last game fresh in the mind it’s worth siding with Both Teams to Score.
Over 3.5 Goals
Over 2.5 Goals has landed in five of Bolton’s last seven games in all competitions and five in six for the hosts. Over 3.5 has landed in three of Bolton’s last seven and two of Stockport’s last three.
With both in fine scoring form while being a little shaky at the back, I think it’s worth chancing your arm on Over 3.5 Goals landing again, though Over 2.5 Goals is a fine play if you’re that way inclined.
Oladapo Afolayan to Score First
Oladapo Afolayan heads Bolton’s top scorer markets this season with seven goals in 19 games. He’s fit and is likely to play, especially after playing the full 90 in the first game 11 days ago.
He’s been an ever-reliable for Bolton boss Ian Evatt and he’s missed just one game that wasn’t in the Papa John’s Trophy this term. He’s due a goal and at a nice price it might be worth having a go on Oladapo Afolayan to Score First.
Stockport v Bolton Bet Builder
Bolton to Win
Both Teams To Score
Over 3.5 Goals
Oladapo Afolayan to Score First
* A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 30/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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