Ian Evatt expects no shortage of entertainment when Wanderers look to book their passage through in the Papa John’s EFL Trophy.
Wanderers face Liverpool’s U21 side at the University of Bolton Stadium tonight (KO 7pm) looking to make it two wins out of two in Group D.
That may well be enough to take them through to the knock-out stages of the competition for the second time in three years – depending on the outcome of Port Vale’s game at Rochdale.
And while Liverpool’s youngsters started their run in the competition with a 4-0 defeat to Dale, Evatt believes the Anfield DNA means the Reds will still make it a proper cup tie.
“Young players are always keen and full of energy and they will be coached in a similar way to Jurgen Klopp coaches the first team,” said the Bolton boss.
“The quality might not be the same but the things they do and how they set up will be very similar.
“We’ve watched them and they’re a good team, so I think it will be a really good match.
“That’s kind of what we are as well. We are high intensity, all-action. We press the ball and try and build attacks in a similar way, so I think it will be a very good game.”
Evatt will make several changes to his side ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday when the Whites will be bidding to make it a hat-trick of League One wins.
But he will still have senior men on show as he gives valuable game-time to some who have not been regular starters in recent weeks.
And while targeting a top-six spot in the league remains the over-riding priority, Evatt won’t turn up his nose at a cup run which promises the possibility of a Wembley finale.
“We will make changes but we still want to win every game we play,” added Evatt, who was in the Chesterfield side that lost the EFL Trophy final in 2014 but has also had his fair share of Wembley play-off finals wins down the years.
“That’s what professionals do and you should never turn down a chance to play at Wembley.
“I did it many times and loved it and you remember it for the rest of your life. We’ll have to make sure we’re at it.”
Watch the manager’s full pre-match interview HERE and for pay-on-the-day and tickets details for tonight’s game go HERE