5 Things you Need to Know as Central Visit Bolton United

Manchester Central visit familiar opponents Bolton United on Saturday afternoon, where they will look to follow up the one point they picked up against Tintwistle Athletic with three when Matchday 11 rolls around for Central. Here are five things you need to know ahead of an enticing encounter.

Central Look to End Four Game Winless Streak in Division One

Manchester Central have not been able to follow up their excellent start to the season, in the following weeks since Central’s last three points, they have only managed to pick up one point in their last four Division One fixtures.

They ended a three-game losing streak last weekend, picking up that point in a hard-fought clash with Tintwistle Athletic. Chris Tomkinson will hope he can help his side pick up a crucial three points on Saturday, in the hope that Central can get back on track in league action.

Bolton Seek Retribution After Early Season Defeat to Central

Bolton United and Manchester Central are no strangers to each other in competitive league action, having faced each other over the past few seasons. Bolton are yet to taste victory over Central this season, with their last win over them coming at the back end of the 2021/22 season in Division Two.

Central continued their strong start to the campaign, when they knocked off Bolton United in a close 2-1 win at Seashell’s Trust. Bolton will look to use their home advantage to full effect on Saturday, when Central come knocking for the league double.

Central Star Moves on to Pastures New

Manchester Central forward and current top scorer Fuad Kasali has left the club to step up to the North West Counties to join First Division side Atherton Laburnum Rovers FC. The club have since released a statement thanking Fuad on his time at the club and wish him all the best in his new chapter.

However, such a huge loss to Central’s front line will raise eyebrows as to how Central will do without their key man. Central have relied on his goals so far this season so it will be intriguing to see how Central can cope in their first game without him.

Bolton with Only One Win in Last Five League Fixtures

It appears Central aren’t the only side in the upcoming fixture to be on a bad run of form, with Bolton United heading into this one with only one victory in their last five, which came in an impressive 4-1 home win over Bolton Lads and Girls club.

With both sides struggling for consistency in Division One, perhaps this fixture could provide a spark for either side. A win here could start a run of games that could springboard either side towards the top of the table, in a fixture where both teams could really do with an all-important three points.

Visitors Look for More Defensive Stability

Central will go into this one looking for a clean sheet, having been vulnerable defensively this season, particularly away from home. The visitors will seek to shut a Bolton side down who have scored at least twice in their last three games.

Conceding 15 goals in just four away fixtures, Central will need to be solid as a rock on Saturday and improve drastically at the back if they wish to take anything from this game. Chris Tomkinson has previously spoke about his sides defensive frailties and will hope a first clean sheet is in order since September when they visit Bolton United.