Derby's first outlet and defensive handovers meet a Bolton attack with a demonstrated wide delivery route. Morris gives Derby an aerial receiver, while Dalby provides Bolton with a target for service and loose passes. The quality of the support around those forwards should decide who turns an entry into a clean chance.
Bolton have a completed Larrazabal-to-Dalby scoring route and have also punished a loose first pass through Dalby. Derby's Norwich defeat exposed repeated deliveries and failures to pick up the next receiver. At the other end, Forino and Famewo's interceptions, aerial work and clearances helped restrict Charlton's chances.
Travis's return gives Derby a credible first outlet, but Szmodics is newly unavailable after knee surgery, alongside continuing losses among their midfield and wide options. Bolton's current defensive unit already played at Charlton. Sheehan and Ito remain unresolved after playing that match, leaving Simons and the available wide suppliers central to the projected approach.
I expect Bolton to look for a loose exit or an early delivery rather than require prolonged possession. Their recently used compact block provides a clear plan for defending a lead. That's why I'm siding with Bolton, with a level finish returning the stake.
