Wanderers go in search of their opening win when they start their home programme against Wycombe.
The Whites got off to a solid start with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town on the opening day.
Wycombe, who just missed out on an instant return to the Championship last season, will provide a similarly stern test.
But Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to build on their performance at Portman Road and enhance an impressive home record in front of what’s set to be an excellent crowd on day one back at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Manager quotes:
Ian Evatt: “Wycombe are a good yardstick for this division. They got to the play-off final last season and they are a team that is used to winning.
“We can speak about identities and philosophies but the name of the game in football is to win and Gareth’s team are used to winning football matches.
“We have to make sure that we do things our way and try and combat their strengths. They are a good team and we must make sure we’re on our ‘A’ game and a bit better than we were last week in possession.
“It is a really tough start, probably as challenging as it gets to be honest, but one we are relishing and looking forward to.”
Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth:
“Bolton are a good side and they had a great point at Ipswich last week, who are one of the other favourite teams, so we know this is going to be a tough test this weekend.
“Bolton have had really good form from the start of the year and made some excellent signings.
“We need to make sure we're on it. We're missing a couple of big players through injury but we go there full of confidence looking to win.”
Team news:
Wanderers will check midfielder Kyle Dempsey after he missed last Saturday’s opener at Ipswich with a dead leg.
The Whites avoided injuries at Portman Road so could be missing just long-term absentees Josh Sheehan and Lloyd Isgrove and recent signing Eoin Toal.
Sheehan and Isgrove are close to returning after being sidelined since November with the pair eyeing a B team outing in the middle of the month.
Wycombe will be without defender Chris Forino and midfield man Curtis Thompson through injury.
The Chairboys have brought in four new faces so far this summer but started with all last season’s personnel in last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Burton Albion.
Form guide:
Wanderers’ 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town last weekend extended their unbeaten league run to nine games stretching back to a 1-0 loss to Plymouth Argyle in early March.
The defeat to the Pilgrims is the Whites’ only home loss in 12 outings at the University of Bolton since Wycombe took the points in January.
Wycombe opened up with a 3-0 home success over Burton Albion with all the goals coming in the first half hour.
Gareth Ainsworth’s side ended last season with a defeat to Sunderland in the League One play-off final after finishing sixth in League One on the back of a 12-match unbeaten run.
Officials:
Referee: Ben Toner
Assistant referees: Paul Newhouse and Thomas Harty
Fourth official: Alex Gray
Kick-off:
Saturday 3pm
Coverage:
Full match commentary is available to listen to via iFollow. For match pass and subscription details click HERE