As Wanderers prepare to travel to Crewe Alexandra for the First Round of the Carabao Cup, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of Wednesday's encounter.
1. First Cup game of the season
After three months of waiting, it feels as if the football season never really left us. Wednesday will see Wanderers play in their second game in four days as they travel to Alexandra Stadium to face Crewe Alexandra in the First Round of the Carabao Cup.
Energy drink company Carabao are the competitions newest sponsor, replacing the previously named EFL Cup. Should Bolton return to BL6 with a win Phil Parkinson’s side will progress into the Second Round of the competition with a chance of facing a Premier League outfit.
2. Rotation
With the games coming thick and fast, Parkinson will have to call upon all members of his first-team to step up on Wednesday night. The tie could provide the likes of Ben Alnwick, Mark Little, Derik Osede, Anthonee Robinson and Aaron Wilbraham to earn their first minutes of the season.
Elsewhere, Adam Armstrong could be in line for a start as the striker looks to build up his fitness for the season ahead. The tie will allow Parkinson and his management staff to assess his full squad ahead of Saturday’s game against Millwall.
3. First win?
After Sunday’s defeat against Leeds United, The Whites will travel south of Greater Manchester in search of their first win of the season. As the saying goes “Winning breeds winning” and despite the fixture being a cup game, Parkinson will be looking to get off the mark with his first victory of the season.
4. Big away following
As the management and Ken Anderson have noted a number of times, the travelling Bolton fans are an incredible set of fans. Travelling far and wide to back the boys, tomorrow night will be no different as 554 Wanderers fans will make the trip to Alexandra Park.
As always, we thank you for your superb support.
5. Captain's armband
After missing the opening game of the Sky Bet Championship season due to illness, Wanderers skipper Darren Pratley is set to return to the side on Wednesday night.