Wanderers take their first step into the Vertu Trophy this evening when taking on Rotherham United at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
This will be the first of three games in the Group Stage phase of the competition for Steven Schumacher's side - who will also face Manchester City U21s and Oldham Athletic - as they look to progress to the knockout rounds.
The 2023 winners of the competition will be wanting to kickstart with a win and turn the run of four consecutive draws into a winning run.
For Rotherham, it has been a frustrating start to the 2025/26 campaign. Following their opening day victory over Port Vale on home soil, the Millers have failed to win in their following four league games - picking up just one point against Wigan Athletic - with defeats to Stevenage, Cardiff City and Doncaster Rovers.
This fixture could come at the right stage for Matt Hamshaw's men, and use as a platform to build a run of form in Sky Bet League One.
Press Conferences
Assistant Coach Richie Kyle: "We know where we need to improve and how we need to improve and it'll come, because as I said before we've signed a lot of players - 12-13 players - and it takes time to build cohesion and build relationships.
"But in terms of the style we want them to play and the intensity we want to play at, we're doing what's required but we just need to get that last bit right in the final third - whether that's the final pass or the final decision.
"We need that bit of a ruthless edge in those areas of the pitch, which we know the players have got and it'll come - we're confident of it - but at the same time we need to keep working hard, keep learning and keep trying to get better so we can get that result."
Watch Richie Kyle's press conference in full here
Matt Hamshaw following Saturday's game with Doncaster: "It is alright saying there are signs of improvement but I was the same after Barnsley, I will come in Monday (yesterday) and probably see what the little bits of positives are.
“I don’t think you can really question that [heart and desire of the players]. You can question the lack of quality in certain areas but I think the lads gave it everything.”
Team News
As confirmed by Richie Kyle, Jordi Osei-Tutu remains sidelined ahead of Tuesday's game with a hamstring issue.
The long term absentees of Kyle Dempsey, Victor Adeboyejo and Will Forrester continue their recoveries as they step closer to a return.
The Millers are still without new signing Lenny Agbaire, who it has been confirmed by the Rotherham boss that he is expected to be out for several weeks.
Hamshaw has confirmed that there will be changes tonight as they look to freshen up following the weekend defeat to Doncaster Rovers.
Kick-off
Tuesday 7pm
Referee
Andrew Humphries will take charge of Wanderers' clash with Rotherham United on Tuesday evening. He has never previously refereed a Bolton game before.
Tickets/Wanderers TV
Tickets are available until kick-off for tonight's game with Rotherham United. CLICK HERE TO BUY YOURS.
For those not going to the game, audio passes will be available, as always, for UK-based supporters to listen to full commentary with Derek Clark and John McGinlay via Wanderers TV. Those based internationally can stream the game through a live video match pass on Wanderers TV.
Click HERE to purchase a pass.