bwfc.co.uk previews Tuesday's clash with the Dale at the Crown Oil Arena
Wanderers travel to Rochdale on Tuesday night as they face their local-rivals for the first time since December 1992. Eager to return to winning ways following last weekend's draw with Bradford City, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of tonight's game.
1. First league trip to Rochdale since 1987
Meetings between Wanderers and Rochdale have been few and far between, with the two sides having only previously locked horns 11 times.
The Whites have only lost one of those outings, and remain unbeaten from their six league clashes with the Dale.
With their most recent battles with Rochdale coming in the FA Cup and League Cup back in 1992 and 1989 respectively, you have to go back October 1987 for the last time Bolton travelled to the Crown Oil Arena in the league.
Fighting out a 2-2 draw that day, the Trotters will be keen to continue their strong form against their local-rivals as relations resume competitively for the first time in 26 years.
2. Big travelling support
Wanderers will be backed by a whopping 3,428 travelling fans on Tuesday night as Whites supporters make the most of a rare trip to Rochdale.
Showing superb support so far this season, the Bolton faithful are sure to help create a special atmosphere at the Crown Oil Arena as the local rivals go to battle under the floodlights.
3. Potential defensive reshuffle
Phil Parkinson could be forced into a defensive reshuffle as the Trotters take on Rochdale with a number of players doubtful for the game.
Mark Beevers and David Wheater are both struggling with illness, while Lewis Buxton, James Henry, Liam Trotter and Josh Vela are also injury doubts.
However, if any of the aforementioned players are ruled out, the likes of Derik Osede, Chris Taylor, Tom Thorpe and Lawrie Wilson will be all ready to step in as the quartet look to impress.
4. Keshi Anderson is back
One player who is back in contention is forward Keshi Anderson, having missed Saturday's meeting with Bradford City through suspension.
The forward scored on his Trotters debut against Southend United and has made three appearances for Wanderers so far since his deadline day loan move from Crystal Palace.
And with the Whites short on goals in recent outings, the 21-year-old's return could be timed perfectly as Bolton look to record a first victory since August's win over Fleetwood Town.
5. Can Wanderers return to winning ways?
Third in the Sky Bet League One table having lost just once since the start of the season, the Trotters have enjoyed a positive opening two months to the campaign.
However, they have had to make do with a share of the spoils in a number of their recent outings and are currently six games without a win.
Yet victory tonight could see Phil Parkinson's side return to the top of the table if other results go their way.
Could a local derby provide the perfect setting for Wanderers to return to winning ways?