Bolton Wanderers saw League One cheat code potential v Wigan - Steven Schumacher must wrap him in cotton wool | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers must avoid this nightmare situation

Bolton Wanderers continued their consistent start to the season with a handsome victory over Wigan Athletic.

The Trotters are one of the EFL’s hardest teams to unpack thus far, with only one defeat in nine outings highlighting that they are extremely tough to beat, which is a desirable trait for any club to have.

However, Steven Schumacher’s side have struggled to score three points regularly, having drawn five matches already, something that could prohibit them from seriously fighting for promotion come May.

That said, Bolton have begun to step things up a gear in recent weeks, starting with an emphatic 3-0 triumph over AFC Wimbledon. A stalemate against Leyton Orient followed, before Wanderers hammered local rivals Wigan Athletic 4-1 in a pulsating derby day victory.

During their latest win, Bolton supporters got a glimpse of what one of their summer recruits is capable of. Marcus Forss moved to the Trotters on loan from Middlesbrough after spending three seasons operating out of the Riverside.

The 26-year-old’s second league start for Wanderers provided him with the opportunity to impress his new home fans, which he did by bagging an excellent brace at the expense of Wigan.

Quality and finesse were evident in the forward’s play, which may lead to extra impetus being placed on him to carry forward Bolton’s attack in the weeks to come. However, Schumacher must resist this for one clear reason.

Steven Schumacher must be wary of concerning Marcus Forss factor

Forss clearly enjoys the talent and expertise to perform at the Championship level, which means that he will stick out in League One as one of the division’s best players.

However, Schumacher must resist the temptation to overplay the forward.

During his time at Boro, the 26-year-old struggled on a regular basis with fitness and injury concerns, which left him sidelined for a fair portion of two seasons at the Riverside.

When available, Forss proved himself capable for Middlesbrough, but ability isn’t of much use if it can’t be utilised on a consistent basis.

Therefore, Schumacher must make sure that he manages the Finland international’s minutes adequately.

Obviously, Forss will be called upon against the toughest opposition, but rotating him out of the side in cup competitions and versus weaker sides in the league is something Bolton’s boss has to consider.

If the forward stays fit and sharp, he could be too much for most League One defences to deal with and subsequently fire Wanderers up the league.

However, if Forss spends extended periods of time sidelined, his signing may end up feeling like something of a missed opportunity.

Bolton Wanderers can build on early-season consistency

Bolton Wanderers have shown so far in the 2025/26 League One campaign that they are tough to beat, which will serve them well across 46 games.

Despite not winning enough, picking up regular points has kept them in touch with the play-off places, and they now have a strong platform to build on.

Strong victories against AFC Wimbledon and Wigan Athletic suggest that Schumacher is starting to turn more of his side’s draws into wins.

If he keeps this up and manages to remain resolute and tough to defeat, the Trotters could soon become serious contenders in the promotion hunt.