5 Things you need to know ahead of Bolton clash

Central return to Division One football this week against a formidable opponent in Bolton United, where they will look to get back to winning ways after last week's disappointment. Here are five key things you need to know ahead of the game.

CENTRAL SEEKING RETRIBUTION AFTER WINLESS RECORD LAST SEASON

Manchester Central will seek to already do what they could not last season and pick up three points against Bolton United. They were unable to defeat the eventual champions in the last campaign, and have an early opportunity to change that in this campaign just five games in.

Following a 4-2 away defeat just two games in and an intense 3-2 home defeat in the penultimate game of the season, it is by no means out of Central’s reach, and they will seek to be on the right side of the scoreline on Saturday.

EARLY PREVIEW FOR TITLE RACE?

Manchester Central and Bolton United have started the season in similar fashion, picking up impressive wins in their respective fixtures. It begs the question whether this early top of the table clash will be an early preview of a potential title race.

This matchup is certain to be a feisty affair, and if there is to be a victor on Saturday, a mental advantage is there to be gained over their opponents for the remainder of the season and ahead of the return clash in February.

KASALI IS A GOALSCORING MACHINE

Central forward Fuad Kasali is without question one of first names on the team sheet for Chris Tomkinson, with his unmatched energy, pace, and trickery a key part of Central’s forward line, but most impressively his goalscoring prowess has continued from the 2021/22 season.

Scoring a mighty 31 goals last season, the question would always be could he be that outlet for Central once again, and he has not slowed down opening the campaign with three goals in four, and Chris Tomkinson will want his main man to be at his brilliant best against a tough Bolton United side if he wants to gather another three points.

SEASHELL’S TRUST ACADEMY CENTRAL’S NEW FORTRESS

A big question heading into the new season is how would Central fare at a new home ground, especially due to their dominance at their old home last season. But even so early on, Central look to have found their rhythm at their new stomping ground.

Winning both home games against Bolton Borough and Elton Vale, Central seem to have seamlessly found their comfort at their new home and will hope to continue in that vein on Saturday afternoon in their toughest test yet.

CENTRAL POISED FOR A TITLE CHARGE

Coming into the new season and league, Central boss Chris Tomkinson made it clear that his target was promotion to the Premier Division, but following an excellent start to the campaign, could more be on the horizon for Central.

Despite the recent loss to Avro, a win against a quality Bolton United side would certainly put Central in a great position to go ahead and mount a serious challenge, and if they can pull off the victory on Saturday, there would be no question that they would have a real shot at winning it all.