Wanderers take on neighbours Accrington Stanley on another Family Day at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Reduced ticket prices are set to help produce another big home crowd as Ian Evatt’s men look to extend their current unbeaten run to six games and climb back into the top ten.
A 2-1 win at Doncaster Rovers on Good Friday gave Wanderers the perfect start to the Easter weekend, while Stanley drew 0-0 at home to Burton Albion.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “We’ll be ready. We’re excited to play at home. Our support has been fantastic and will be again. It’s three to go – three big games.
“We have evolved since then (December’s defeat at Accrington). At the time we were absolutely crippled by injuries.
“Hopefully we will give a good account of ourselves and go on to get the three points.”
Accrington manager John Coleman: “It’s a great stadium to go to. I have watched them quite a bit this season and they are an exciting side to watch.
“They are dangerous, they can score goals at the drop of a hat and I like watching them but hopefully I am not watching them play too much on Monday but I am watching my team play.
“Holiday games are a little bit special. Everyone seems to be in a better mood, probably because they aren’t working, and I hope we can give our travelling fans what they deserve as they have had to put up with a lot this season.”
Team news
Wanderers’ boss Ian Evatt has suggested he will make changes to freshen up his starting line-up.
There could be changes in the attacking positions – with ex-Stanley striker Dion Charles in contention – but the Whites aren’t expecting anyone back from injury to add to the squad that won at Doncaster.
Midfielder Kyle Dempsey hopes to be play before the end of the season but won’t be back to face Stanley.
Accrington are still without midfielder Harry Pell and forward Josh Woods.
Form guide
Wanderers are unbeaten in five games after Friday’s 2-1 success at Doncaster.
The Whites have drawn their last two home games and are seeking a first win in five outings at the UniBol.
Stanley – whose only previous trip to Wanderers ended in a 0-0 draw in February, 2020 – are three places and nine points behind the Whites, who are 11th in the table.
The Reds have won one of their last seven games – in their last away trip at Fleetwood – and have lost four of their last ten.
Last meeting
Accrington Stanley 1 Bolton Wanderers 0 | Saturday 11 December, 2021
A headed goal from Tommy Leigh left Wanderers stuck in their mid-winter rut.
Leigh nodded home after 20 minutes on a foul afternoon at the Wham Stadium.
Wanderers – badly stretched by injuries and Covid – had early chances but couldn’t make them pay.
And another blank in front of goal made it six successive away defeats for Wanderers ahead of their January re-boot.
Wanderers: Dixon; Senior, Baptiste, Johnston, John; Williams; Kachunga, Lee (Delfouneso 88), Thomason, Afolayan; Doyle (Amaechi 66). Substitutes: Gilks, Brockbank, Gordon, Tweedley, Pettifer.
Officials
Referee: Thomas Bramall
Assistant referees: Nick Greenhalgh and Steven Meredith
Fourth Official: Chris Sarginson
Kick-off
Monday 3pm