The two semi-finals of the 2022/23 EFL Trophy take place in England this week, including the meeting between Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers.
The match will be played at the Wham Stadium and the hosts are currently 20th in League One while the visitors are 4th in the same division.
Accrington Stanley come into the game having recorded a 1-0 home win over Shrewsbury Town in League One on the weekend. The only goal of the match was scored in the 12th minute and it was a good win against a team currently pushing for the playoffs in League One.
However, that was the first win for Accrington Stanley in 6 matches in all competitions. There have been defeats against Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers at home in League One plus a 3-1 loss at home against Leeds United in the FA Cup. Accrington Stanley have picked up a point at Port Vale and Cheltenham Town in League One.
Trends show Accrington Stanley have won each of their last 4 fixtures in the EFL Trophy. The wins have come over Liverpool U21s at home plus Grimsby Town, Burton Albion, and Lincoln City away, the latter of which was via a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.
In all their 10 most recent matches of EFL Trophy, there have been no losses for Accrington Stanley inside 90 minutes and their only 2 defeats have come via a penalty shootout.
Bolton Wanderers travel to the Wham Stadium having lost 1-0 at Wycombe Wanderers in League One on the weekend. The only goal of the game was scored at the end of the first half and Bolton Wanderers failed to find the back of the net in the second period.
That was the first defeat for Bolton Wanderers in 6 matches in all competitions. There have been victories over Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town, and Milton Keynes Dons at home plus Charlton Athletic and Peterborough United away in League One.
Bolton Wanderers have won each of their last 4 EFL Trophy matches. The wins have come over Leeds United U21s, Barrow, Manchester United U21s, and Portsmouth, all of which were at home.
Away form is not so good and Bolton Wanderers have lost 6 of their last 7 away ELF Trophy games. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Bolton Wanderer’s last 6 EFL Trophy matches.
Team news and Accrington Stanley could be without Sean McConville, who was injured on the weekend. Liam Coyle is suspended while Harvey Rodgers will be available following illness.
Bolton Wanderers could be without Gethin Jones and Kyle Dempsey, who picked up injuries on the weekend.
A place at Wembley Stadium beckons for the winners and Bolton Wanderers must start as favourites. They are the team in better form right now and sit 16 places higher than Accrington Stanley in League One. Being a cup tie, we could see plenty of goals, with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals in total.