Bolton Wanderers vs Preston North End preview

England flag 2026/2027 Championship, England
University of Bolton Stadium Today - 11:30 AM
Championship
Bolton WanderersBOL
2 1
Preston North EndPNE
Full Time Today 11:30 AM
Round 1 Regular Season
Sam Dalby - 14'
Thierry Gale - 25'
Goal
|
Goal
Jusef Erabi - 86'

CONTEXT

Bolton Wanderers defeated Preston North End 2-1 in a match where the home side took control early. Bolton scored both of their goals before halftime to establish a 2-0 lead at the break. Preston North End, identified as the stronger team beforehand, struggled to respond until the second half when they reduced the deficit to 2-1. Bolton maintained 55 percent possession while Preston held 45 percent. The expected goals figures were nearly identical at 0.77 for Bolton and 0.76 for Preston. Despite the pre-match assessment favoring the visitors, Bolton secured the three points through superior first-half execution. The narrow margin in underlying metrics reflected a competitive encounter decided by early efficiency.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Bolton Wanderers achieved a significant deviation by defeating the stronger Preston North End side.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift was in line with the overall performance metrics.
  • xG alignment: The match outcome aligned with the expected goals as Bolton secured the win.
  • Market alignment: The result was aligned with market expectations for the fixture.
  • xG expectations: Expected goals were nearly identical with Bolton at 0.77 and Preston at 0.76.
  • Event impact: Bolton took a 2-0 lead at halftime which proved decisive in the 2-1 victory.
  • Red card distortion: With no red cards issued there was no distortion from dismissals in the game.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
A. Herczeg
A. Herczeg
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
S. Lewis
S. Lewis
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
J. Lehane
J. Lehane
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
J. Smith
J. Smith
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Bolton Wanderers S. Schumacher
S. Schumacher
VS
Preston North End P. Heckingbottom
P. Heckingbottom
0
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0.86
0 i
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Southampton Rank: 82 L
Sheffield United Rank: 75 W
Birmingham City Rank: 76 L
West Bromwich Albion Rank: 73 L
Charlton Athletic Rank: 70 W
Queens Park Rangers Rank: 70 D
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
48.07
70.07
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Bolton Wanderers
Preston North End
Power Score
48.07
70.07
League Position
7
19
Global Rank
216
268

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Bolton Wanderers — Opponent-weighted form score
Preston North End — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Bolton Wanderers Preston North End

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Bolton Wanderers

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Preston North End

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Bolton Wanderers
vs
Preston North End
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Bolton Wanderers Preston North End
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
24%
20%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.19 vs -0.15
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Bolton Wanderers Preston North End
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
20%
24%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.15 vs -0.19
Bolton Wanderers
Preston North End
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Bolton Wanderers
vs
Preston North End
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Bolton Wanderers Preston North End
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Bolton Wanderers 0.00
Preston North End 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Bolton Wanderers Preston North End
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Bolton Wanderers 0.00
Preston North End 0.00
Bolton Wanderers
Preston North End
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • PNE had peak pressure around 91'.
  • BOL started the game with stronger pressure.
BOL Pressure PNE Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: PNE reached the top pressure at 91' (82.77).

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch
J. Bonham
Republic of Ireland
1 J. Bonham
L. Stephenson
Substitution
England
27 L. Stephenson
C. Forino-Joseph
England
3 C. Forino-Joseph
A. Famewo
England
14 A. Famewo
M. Conway
Substitution
England
25 M. Conway
J. Sheehan
Wales
8 (C) J. Sheehan
E. Erhahon
Scotland
21 E. Erhahon
G. Larrazabal Goikoetxea
Substitution
Spain
22 G. Larrazabal Goikoetxea
J. McAtee
Substitution
England
45 J. McAtee
T. Gale
Substitution
Barbados
11 T. Gale
S. Dalby
England
10 S. Dalby
D. Iversen
Denmark
1 D. Iversen
A. Hughes
Substitution
Wales
16 A. Hughes
L. Lindsay
Scotland
6 L. Lindsay
J. Storey
England
14 J. Storey
P. Valentín Sancho
Substitution
Spain
2 P. Valentín Sancho
A. McCann
Scotland
8 (C) A. McCann
J. Thompson
Substitution
Northern Ireland
15 J. Thompson
C. Lang
Substitution
England
10 C. Lang
A. Devine
England
7 A. Devine
D. Burgzorg
Substitution
Netherlands
37 D. Burgzorg
M. Osmajić
Montenegro
28 M. Osmajić

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 15, 2026, 11:30 AM
Competition
2026/2027 Championship, England · Round 1 · Regular Season
Stadium
University of Bolton Stadium
Capacity
28723
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Adam Herczeg
Samuel Lewis
Jacob Lehane
Joshua Smith

Statistics

Possession
BOL
54%
PNE
46%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 1
2 Big Chances Created 4
9 Shots 3
38 Dangerous attacks 25
55 Possession 45
5 Corners 2
11 Free kicks 12
2 Yellow Cards 3

Match Overview

22 Ball Safe 20
4 Goal Kicks 13
5 Goal Attempts 0
5 Substitutions 5
29 Throwins 18
9 Successful Headers 15
1 Assists 1
14 Dribble Attempts 13
5 Successful Dribbles 7
36 Successful Dribbles Percentage 54

Attacking

93 Attacks 85
1 Big Chances Missed 3

Possession

76 Long Passes 62
404 Passes 330
312 Successful Passes 232
77 Successful Passes Percentage 70
11 Key Passes 8
27 Successful Long Passes 18
36 Successful Long Passes Percentage 29

Defensive

2 Saves 3
14 Tackles 16
13 Interceptions 7
47 Duels Won 53

Build-up

12 Total Crosses 11
1 Accurate Crosses 7

Discipline

3 Offsides 7
12 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Adam Herczeg

Starting XI ▼

1
Jack Bonham
Jack Bonham Goalkeeper
7.3
3
Chris Forino
Chris Forino Defender
5.82
14
Akin Famewo
Akin Famewo Defender
6.79
25
Max Conway
Max Conway Defender
6.39
18
Eoin Toal
Eoin Toal
Defender82'
6
27
Luca Stephenson
Luca Stephenson Defender
6.84
5
Lewis Brunt
Lewis Brunt
Defender85'
6.63
8
Josh Sheehan
Josh Sheehan (C) Midfielder
6.3
11
Thierry Gale
Thierry Gale Midfielder
6.6
7
Kyliane Dong
Kyliane Dong
Attacker85'
21
Ethan Erhahon
Ethan Erhahon Midfielder
6.27
22
Gaizka Larrazabal
Gaizka Larrazabal Midfielder
6.96
16
Samuel Iling-Junior
Samuel Iling-Junior
Attacker75'
6.7
45
John McAtee
John McAtee Midfielder
39
Ryan Hardie
Ryan Hardie
Attacker75'
6.51
10
Sam Dalby
Sam Dalby Attacker
6.43
Referee : Adam Herczeg

Starting XI ▼

1
Daniel Iversen
Daniel Iversen Goalkeeper
6.87
2
Pol Valentín
Pol Valentín Defender
6.58
24
Odeluga Offiah
Odeluga Offiah
Defender64'
6.71
6
Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay Defender
6.91
14
Jordan Storey
Jordan Storey Defender
6.91
16
Andrew Hughes
Andrew Hughes Defender
6.8
3
Andrija Vukcevic
Andrija Vukcevic
Defender79'
6.5
7
Alfie Devine
Alfie Devine Midfielder
7.02
8
Ali McCann
Ali McCann (C) Midfielder
6.8
10
Callum Lang
Callum Lang Midfielder
6.75
9
Jusef Erabi
Jusef Erabi
Attacker64'
7.12
15
Jordan Thompson
Jordan Thompson Midfielder
6.67
27
Léo Leroy
Léo Leroy
Midfielder63'
7.13
37
Delano Burgzorg
Delano Burgzorg Midfielder
6.73
11
Thierry Small
Thierry Small
Defender79'
6.58
28
Milutin Osmajic
Milutin Osmajic Attacker
6.7

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Chris Forino
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
88'
86'
Event
Jusef Erabi
Header / 3rd Goal
Event
Lewis Brunt → Luca Stephenson
9th Substitution
85'
Event
Kyliane Dong → Thierry Gale
10th Substitution
85'
Event
Eoin Toal  → Max Conway
8th Substitution
82'
79'
Event
Thierry Small → Delano Burgzorg
6th Substitution
79'
Event
Andrija Vukcevic → Andrew Hughes
7th Substitution
Event
Ryan Hardie → John McAtee
4th Substitution
75'
Event
Samuel Iling-Junior → Gaizka Larrazabal
5th Substitution
75'
64'
Event
Jusef Erabi → Callum Lang
2nd Substitution
64'
Event
Odeluga Offiah → Pol Valentín
3rd Substitution
63'
Event
Léo Leroy → Jordan Thompson
1st Substitution
Event
Josh Sheehan
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
48'
1ST-HALF
42'
Event
Pol Valentín
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
27'
Event
Jordan Thompson
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Thierry Gale
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
25'
Event
Sam Dalby
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
14'
13'
Event
Ali McCann
Foul / 1st Yellowcard

Match Commentary

89
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Liam Lindsay Head Shot Missed
88
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Christian Forino Joseph.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Jusef Erabi attempts a header.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Jusef Erabi scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Andrija Vukcevic.
85
Substitution Substitution
Lewis Brunt is substituted on for Luca Stephenson.
85
Update Update
Kyliane Dong comes on for Thierry Gale.
82
Update Update
Eoin Toal is on, and Max Conway is off.
79
Update Update
On comes Thierry Small, off goes Delano Burgzorg.
79
Substitution Substitution
Andrija Vukcevic is substituted for Andrew Hughes.
78
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
75
Substitution Substitution
Samuel Iling is substituted for Gaizka Larrazabal.
75
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
74
Attempt Attempt
Sam Dalby takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
74
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
73
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
70
Update Update
Offside.
68
Attempt Attempt
Josh Sheehan takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
68
Attempt Attempt
Luca Stephenson attempts a header but misses the shot.
67
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
66
Attempt Attempt
Milutin Osmajic takes a shot with his right foot, but it is saved.
66
Update Update
Offside.
65
Update Update
Offside.
64
Update Update
On Odel Offiah, off goes Pol Valentin.
64
Update Update
On comes Jusef Erabi, and Callum Lang goes off.
64
Update Update
On Odel Offiah, off goes Pol Valentin.
63
Update Update
On comes Jusef Erabi, off goes Callum Lang.
61
Update Update
On Leo Leroy, off Jordan Thompson.
60
Attempt Attempt
Thierry Gale takes a right-footed shot but misses.
59
Attempt Attempt
Callum Lang's header is saved.
56
Attempt Attempt
Gaizka Larrazabal takes a right-footed shot but misses.
54
Attempt Attempt
Thierry Gale takes a right-footed shot but misses.
51
Update Update
Offside.
51
Attempt Attempt
Alfie Devine takes a right-footed shot but misses.
50
Attempt Attempt
John McAtee takes a right-footed shot but misses.
50
Attempt Attempt
Alfie Devine takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
48
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Josh Sheehan receives a yellow card.
42
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Pol Valentin.
39
Attempt Attempt
John McAtee takes a right-footed shot but misses.
38
Attempt Attempt
Andrew Hughes takes a shot, but it is blocked.
37
Attempt Attempt
Delano Burgzorg takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
37
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
31
Update Update
Offside.
27
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Jordan Thompson receives a yellow card.
25
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Thierry Gale scores with a right-footed shot.
25
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Thierry Gale scores, making it 2-0.
20
Attempt Attempt
Josh Sheehan takes a left-footed shot but misses.
20
Attempt Attempt
Josh Sheehan takes a right-footed shot but misses.
20
Attempt Attempt
Christian Forino Joseph takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
19
Update Update
Offside.
18
Attempt Attempt
Josh Sheehan takes a right-footed shot but misses.
14
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Sam Dalby takes a left-footed shot.
14
Attempt Attempt
John McAtee's right-footed shot is saved.
14
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
14
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
13
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Alistair Mccann.
12
Update Update
Offside.
8
Update Update
Offside.
2
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Adam Herczeg.

CONCLUSION

Bolton Wanderers delivered a result that highlighted their capacity to outperform expectations against a side rated stronger on paper. The 2-1 scoreline came after a commanding first half that left Preston chasing the game. Close expected goals values showed both teams created similar quality opportunities yet Bolton converted theirs more effectively before the interval. Possession edges and the absence of any red cards allowed the contest to unfold without major disruptions. This outcome reinforces how early momentum can shape final results even when underlying numbers remain tight. Bolton will take confidence from overcoming the stronger opponent while Preston must address their slow start in future fixtures.