Ian Evatt feels Bolton can still “improve” after Blackpool struck a severe pre-Derby County punch ahead of the match.

A summary of the most recent League One news before of Friday’s games at 3 p.m.

Today is the first Friday of League One football action, with all games starting at 3 p.m. nationwide. Portsmouth will take on Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park today in an attempt to maintain their command of the top spot in the table.

The competition between teams for second place and the remaining play-off positions is intensifying the promotion action as well. Let’s look at some of the most recent stories in the division as we get ready for today afternoon’s schedule, which includes Portsmouth’s investigation into potential newcomers to the Championship.

Major setback for Blackpool ahead of the Derby match

As the 2023–24 season draws to a close, Derby County will be holding onto their lead in second place over the remaining teams vying for promotion. The Rams are now leading the league with 78 points, but every team below them has a game remaining and a great chance to catch up.

But Blackpool, their next opponents, have suffered a significant injury setback prior to their match this afternoon at Pride Park. Jordan Rhodes, who has scored 15 goals this season on loan from Huddersfield Town, has returned to his parent club to receive treatment for a knee ligament issue, according to confirmation from Neil Critchley. Their hopes of finishing in the play-offs are severely hampered by the uncertainty surrounding Rhodes’ ability to return to Blackpool before the season concludes.

Ian Evatt gathers his team’s strength Bolton Wanderers have a game in hand over Derby, who are in second place, and they can cut the distance between them and the second automatic promotion slot this season considerably. Before their match against Stevenage, the Trotters now sit at 74 points, but they will undoubtedly feel that their recent play should have earned them more.

This season, Bolton has also suffered some terrible injury setbacks to important players, most notably leading scorer Dion Charles. Even said, manager Ian Evatt has emphasized that the team cannot just rely on good fortune to come their way, even though he believes the cards are slightly stacked against them.