Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers are on the hunt for League One goals as both are going through a mini dry spell.
Stanley haven’t scored in two league games – and lost both – while Ian Evatt’s side are three league games without a goal with two losses and a draw in that.
Bolton currently sit in seventh place in the league, with ex-Red Dion Charles on three goals, while Stanley are 17th.
“We know this will be another hard challenge but these are the games where we generally improve and hopefully we can rise to the occasion,” said Stanley boss John Coleman.
“Both us and Bolton are desperate to get back on track and scoring goals in the league. I think neither of us have scored in the last two league games so it could be a 0-0 - or a 5-5!
“We know the wealth of talent they have in their squad and it will be difficult for anyone to pick their starting XI for Saturday.
“The first goal is vital in most game these days, it’s not always the case but it has such a bearing on how the game pans out and we are desperate to get it.”
Players are coming back to fitness with ex-Bolton midfielder Joe Pritchard available after missing Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool Under-21s midweek in the Papa Johns Trophy.
Touray Sisay and former Wanderers striker Nathan Delfouneso also picked up vital minutes as they look to find their match fitness.
“Joe Pritchard will be fit and there one or two little niggles, but nothing serious,” said Coleman. “Apart from the long term ones, we are slowly getting players back and trying to get them up to speed and get more available for selection.”
Coleman says League One is still taking shape as, after three wins, Stanley shot up the league but two losses have dropped them down again.
“It’s a tough league and anyone is capable of beating anyone on any day and you just have to try and have as many days as you can.
“There is a lot of luck involved in football, I feel like I have been saying this all my life, and at every level there is a big element of luck and a big degree of getting a decision going for you here and there and that comes down to pot luck.
“You have got to get yourself into a situation where you are not relying on luck, that you are playing in the opposition’s half more than they are playing in your half and so any luck that does bounce, doesn’t overly affect you.”
Stanley have got the better of Bolton at the Wham in the last three encounters – there was the 7-1 victory in 2019, followed by a 2-0 EFL Trophy game in the same year and 1-0 in 2021, with Tommy Leigh the scorer.
“Those will count for nothing – it’s a big game for us and a big game for them as well.
“It’s all about taking your chances which we haven’t been able to do in the last two league games but the more you create, the better chance you have of scoring.”
The full pre-match interview with John Coleman is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!