Steven Schumacher’s Bolton Wanderers failed to capitalize on other results around them because they lost 2-1 to Wycombe Wanderers. They return north knowing they will have to lean on their impressive home form to stay in the top six, with Huddersfield Town just three points behind.
BWFC have yet to lose at home this season and now have two home games in a row against teams lower down in League One. For the Trotters faithful, anything less than six points between the two teams would be considered below par for this season’s goal of promotion again.
While Bolton Wanderers sit at the top of the table, the opposite is the case for Rotherham United. Matt Hamshaw’s The team is on a run of three consecutive defeats and is just one point above the bottom four.
The Millers had a disappointing season last year, but things still need to improve. They travel across the Pennines hoping to end a dismal run of fixtures and bring some hope heading into the new year.
Bolton Wanderers team news
Schumacher does confirmed he can choose from almost his entire squad to take part in this match, with only John McAtee unavailable for Bolton Wanderers.
The former Barnsley striker has often been used from the bench but has struggled to recover from an injury suffered in the last win over Huddersfield Town. McAtee picked up another injury during the 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Bradford City and his return is being managed.
Aaron Morley, who has been left out of the squad for the past two games, could return on Boxing Day. The 25-year-old had an impressive 2024/25 season, including a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, and rumors are swirling following his recent exclusions.
Despite this, boss Schumacher has stated that he wants to keep Morley at the club, insisting he is an important player. The midfielder has made 22 appearances this season, in many different midfield roles, scoring once.
Aaron Morley’s Bolton Wanderers stats 2025/26
| Competition | Performances | Goals | Assists |
| League One | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Trophy | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Predicted XI
(4-2-3-1)
Sharman-Lowe; Christie, Toal, Johnston, Conway; Erhahon, Simons; Gale, Dempsey, Cozier-Duberry; Burstow
Three changes for Bolton Wanderers in this game. Cyrus Christie, Ethan Erhahon and Mason Burstow replace Jordi Osei-Tutu, Josh Sheehan and Sam Dalby.
Erhahon comes in because Schumacher likes to rotate his midfield and the player should have more ball possession given the way BWFC play at home. The former Lincoln City star works well when given space and should have that in this game.
Burstow returns and Dalby was unimpressive at Wycombe. The Hull City loanee adds some pace to the front line.
Finally, Christie returns to give some stability to a backline that got ahead of themselves in their last game. His influence could be enormous if Rotherham chose to counter-attack.
Bolton Wanderers vs Rotherham United kicks off at 3pm on Boxing Day.
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