What to look out for ahead of Wanderers' EFL Cup first round tie
Wanderers travel to Blackpool in the first round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night. Here are five key points to look out for at Bloomfield Road...
1. Large away following
Wanderers look set to be backed by a vocal away support for their trip to local-rivals Blackpool. At the time of writing the club have sold 1,400 tickets for Tuesday night's game, while it has also been confirmed there will be cash turnstiles on the day at Bloomfield Road. And with the Whites faithful feeling positive after Saturday's opening day victory over Sheffield United, the atmosphere is sure to be good in the away section of the Seasiders' stadium.
2. First away day of the season
Tuesday's game marks Bolton's first away match of the season, with a derby clash with Blackpool adding an extra spice to the occasion. While the Trotters may have failed to win on their travels last year, Phil Parkinson's arrival at the club has marked a new era at Macron Stadium. Players and supporters alike will be eager to see Wanderers' away drought ended as soon as possible. Could Bloomfield Road be the venue where the Whites put an end to their away day blues?
3. Away kit
Following its reveal last week, Bolton Wanderers' new Macron-manufactured 2016/17 Sky Blue away kit will make its debut for the Trotters' clash with Blackpool. Fans making the trip will get their first glimpse of the shirt in the flesh, which is currently available to pre-order ahead of its release on Saturday 13 August.
4. Squad rotation
Phil Parkinson has already signaled his intent to rest some of the players who started Saturday's game and hand others opportunities for Wanderers' trip to Blackpool. With Lewis Buxton and David Wheater two players who could sit out Tuesday's match, the likes of Derik Osede, Tom Walker and Kaiyne Woolery will be looking to stake their respective claims while Jamie Proctor could be in line for his first Bolton start.
5. Potential second round opponents
If Wanderers were to emerge triumphant against Blackpool, they could face the possibility of a potential second round clash against one of England's biggest sides. Chelsea, Everton and Liverpool are among the sides entering the competition at the next stage - ties which would undoubtedly leave everyone at Bolton rubbing their hands with glee.