It’s back to Sky Bet League One action for Ian Evatt and his men following the international break as Northampton Town are the visitors to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Whilst a group of Wanderers’ players were on duty for their countries, the Whites will be hoping that the majority of the squad will have benefitted from a week of rest and recovery.
Wanderers currently occupy the 6th spot in the division as we approach the first quarter of the season being completed.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “Teams raise their game when they come here, almost like a cup final at times and we have to raise our game to match that and match the energy levels.
“We believe that we’re a good team and we believe in ourselves. We have to go out there and prove it consistently but we’re looking forward to this run of fixtures and getting back to where we think we should be.
“Our full focus is on Saturday to just reset and go again.”
Northampton Manager John Brady: “Everyone is still jostling for position, and it is still quite early days but Bolton have a great manager and great players and we will need to be at our best on Saturday.
“We believe if we are at our best, we can compete with anyone in this league, we are hurting from the game at Shrewsbury and we want to go to Bolton and put in a real top performance.
"As we always say, we respect everyone but we fear no one.”
Team News
Ian Evatt revealed the boost of the Skipper Ricardo Almeida Santos as he returns from his injury as well as midfielder Paris Maghoma who is available after his time on the sidelines.
Unfortunately, Kyle Dempsey will be ruled out for around 3-4 weeks with a back problem and Zac Ashworth is also carrying a knock which could affect his availability.
In more positive news, Carlos Mendes Gomes is due back in training next week.
In terms of the visitors, they’ll be without Jon Guthrie who misses out with injury whilst Jack Sowerby and Will Hondermarck are to be assessed in the lead up.
Form guide
The Cobblers come into this one in 19th position in Sky Bet League One having won four, drawn one and losing six games so far this campaign after promotion from the division below last season.
Their form in the last five has been indifferent as it includes an impressive away win at Exeter City and at home to Reading but also defeats to the hands of Barnsley, Port Vale and Wycombe Wanderers.
As for the Whites, they’ll be looking for an instant response from a disappointing result against Carlisle United last time out but still find themselves in a good position to kick on in the next batch of fixtures in a busy period.
Officials:
Referee: Martin Coy
Assistant Referees: Mark Cunliffe and Kevin Mulraine
Fourth Official: Conor Brown
Kick-off:
Saturday, 3pm
Tickets:
We advise supporters to purchase their tickets online here in advance of arriving at the stadium to avoid the queues.
Coverage:
Supporters living outside of the UK can watch the game live via Wanderers TV with a match pass, which can be purchased HERE
Alternatively, UK supporters can listen to live full match commentary on Wanderers TV HERE.