Bolton Wanderers busted a few coupons with the midweek 3-1 victory at Wolves and they will strive to spring another surprise when taking on in-form Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.
Newly-promoted teams often need a period of adjustment, but the opening 10 games have been largely positive for Bolton, who are closer to the top eight in the Championship (three points adrift) than the bottom three (five points clear).
The Trotters favour an attacking approach and it has paid off in recent weeks with nine points taken from the last four fixtures.
Bolton have scored nine away goals, which is the highest among teams in the bottom half, but they will afford plenty of respect to Southampton, who are targeting a third successive victory.
Saints started the season with a four-point deduction as a consequence of last season's 'Spygate' affair.
The south coast side lost 2-1 at Watford on the opening weekend of the campaign, but they have recovered impressively and moved into the play-off places after Wednesday's 1-0 triumph at Norwich City.
Southampton v Bolton Wanderers Tips Summary
Best Bet - Southampton to win and both teams to score @ 6/4
Alternative Bet - Finn Azaz anytime assist @ 12/5
Bet Builder - Cyle Larin to score any time, Josh Sheehan to be booked & Over 2 goals @ 6/1
Southampton v Bolton Wanderers Prediction
Best Bet: Southampton and both teams to score @ 6/4
Southampton have scored 21 Championship goals and their offensive quality could give them the edge over Bolton in an entertaining contest.
One of the key components of sustained success is the ability to win matches in different ways.
And Saints were required to show their defensive qualities in the 1-0 wins at home to Portsmouth and away to Norwich, which propelled them from 13th to seventh in the standings.
However, Southampton fans are more accustomed to witnessing high-scoring matches and they could be treated to a goalfest against the Trotters, who have been reaping the rewards of a fearless approach.
Bolton went on the front foot in their midweek match at Wolves and their risky strategy was rewarded with a 3-1 success.
But Steven Schumacher’s side have conceded multiple goals in five of their last seven matches and their open style could be punished by one of the strongest attacks in the division.
Alternative Bet: Finn Azaz anytime assist @ 12/5
Southampton attacking midfielder Finn Azaz has assisted five league goals since the start of the season.
The 26-year-old showcased his vision last weekend with a superb pass for James Bree’s decisive goal in the 1-0 triumph at home to Portsmouth.
Azaz is playing with lots of confidence and could hold the key to breaking down Bolton resistance.
Southampton v Bolton Wanderers Bet Builder Tip
- Cyle Larin to score any time
- Josh Sheehan to be booked
- Over 2 goals
Pays 6/1
Powerful Southampton striker Cyle Larin has gone three games without scoring but his mini-drought could end with a goal against a defensively suspect Bolton side.
Larin was limited to a substitute’s role for the midweek fixture at Norwich, so he should be refreshed and raring to go.
The 31-year-old has netted seven league goals this season and six of them have come at St Mary's.
Bolton will be aware of the threat but they may struggle to shackle the Canadian, who can play his part in a high-scoring home win.
The Trotters will probably spend long periods out of possession and there is the high potential for a booking for their tough tackling midfielder Josh Sheehan, who was carded 10 times over the course of the 2025/26 League One campaign.
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Key Match Stats
- Southampton have won 10 of their last 12 Championship home games
- Saints are unbeaten in their last 15 Championship home fixtures
- Southampton have scored at least two goals in nine of their last 10 home league fixtures
- Both teams have scored in eight of Southampton’s last nine home matches
- Bolton have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight fixtures
- Both teams have scored in four of Bolton’s last five games
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
