Bolton lost just twice at home in League One last season
Four of Preston's last six competitive games featured more than 2.5 goals
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 22/25 on Livescore Bet
Bolton return to the Championship for the first time since the 2018-19 season, and will be hoping their good home record ensures they will not get sucked into a relegation fight. Preston had a desperate second half to last season, having looked to be involved in the play-off battle before ultimately finishing 14th.
A similar season could be on the cards after League One outfit Huddersfield took them to penalties in the Carabao Cup last week. However, North End have a good record against their close neighbours, and will have expectations of coming away from the Toughsheet Community Stadium with at least a point. The latest Bolton vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Bolton were busy recruiting during the summer, with Luca Stephenson, Akin Famewo and Ben Davies potentially shrewd signings while they also hope to sign KAA Gent striker Max Dean before Saturday's kick-off. Trotters boss Steven Schumacher has also been reunited with Ryan Hardie, who played under him at Plymouth, after securing the Scot on a season-long loan from Wrexham. Preston splashed out a club-record fee of £6million for Spurs midfielder Alfie Devine last month, and he featured in their 1-1 draw against Huddersfield. Other Deepdale arrivals include Jusef Erabai - who scored against Huddersfield - and Delano Burgzorg, who is on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough.
The latest Bolton vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Preston have not kept a clean sheet for 16 competitive games. Bolton have scored at least two goals in four of their last five home matches. Bolton have failed to beat Preston in their last six league encounters. Preston have scored in their last four matches away from home. Bolton have drawn just one of their last six matches. Preston have managed just four victories in the Championship since February.
The latest Bolton vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Steven Schumacher enhanced his impressive managerial CV by guiding Bolton to promotion last season and morale will be high at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Visitors tend to be in for a tough time, with 47 of Bolton's final points tally of 75 last season coming from home fixtures. Scoring has not been a problem for the Trotters and, with the potentially shrewd signing of Ryan Hardie and the possible addition of another talented striker in Max Dean, Bolton look well equipped to test a fragile Preston defence. North End lost their last five pre-season matches, which is not a positive sign, and despite decent transfer activity, it would be no surprise if they struggled in this derby. However, they have enjoyed the upper hand in this derby fixture and can at least get on the scoresheet in a game that should have a few goals.
Score prediction: Bolton 2-1 Preston Back over 2.5 goals at 22/25 on Livescore Bet.
