Preview: Sturm Graz v Bolton

Stadion Kumberg

Saturday 11 July, 2015

Kick off 6pm (local time)

The Bolton Wanderers first team squad play their opening pre-season friendly of the 2015/16 campaign against Sturm Graz on Saturday evening.

Neil Lennon and his side will make the journey west from Pollau, their training base in Austria, to Kumberg, located just outside Graz.

With just 29 days to go until the season’s opener against Derby at Macron Stadium, the Bolton players will hope to use this opportunity to get valuable game time under their belts.

From the initial party that travelled to Austria, only Josh Vela will definitely miss out, after the young midfielder returned to the UK after being struck down with a virus.

Max Clayton is unlikely to feature, as he continues to step up his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained last season.

Emile Heskey and Liam Trotter will be assessed on the day of the game after slight strains during training in Austria.

The game will likely see the first match action in a Bolton Wanderers shirt for summer recruits Gary Madine and Derik Osede.

Trialist Stephen Dobbie could also feature. 

Donis Avdijaj may not be a household name amid European football fans, but the young Albanian striker has shown plenty of promise in his career to date. 

Currently part-way through a loan deal from German giants Schalke, striker Avdijaj scored six goals in 17 games during the second half of last season, helping fire Graz to Europa League qualification.

Aged just 18, Avdijaj also has an impressive scoring record at youth international level, netting 12 goals in 17 appearances with Germany.

Supporters can follow live updates of the game via the club’s official Twitter account, @OfficialBWFC.

Short and extended highlights of the game will follow on the club's official YouTube channel, whilst Wanderers PlayerHD subscribers will be able to watch the full 90-minute re-run of the game.