League One football resumes on Tuesday night as Wanderers head to MK Dons.
Following a pause in the action last weekend when all fixtures were postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the fixture schedule returns.
It will be just a fourth away game of the season for the Whites after their trip to Cheltenham last Saturday was called off.
A first win at Stadium MK could lift Wanderers into the top six of League One.
Players and staff will wear black arms bands and there will be a minute’s silence and playing of the national anthem before kick-off as football gets its chance to honour the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “They’ve lost some really good personnel that would affect any team really.
“They have embedded a lot of new players and they’re getting used to the system and the manager’s ideas.
“But we think fundamentally it will be the same (approach).
“We have improved out of possession. I think the first half hour there towards the end of last season (a 2-0 deafeat) we were poor and our pressing strategy was wrong.
“I think we’re a different animal now out of possession and hopefully we can go and show that tonight.”
MK Dons manager Liam Manning:
“It’s a really tough game. Bolton have got a lot of quality in their side and they will be well-organised so we know it will be hard but I want the players to step up and own the challenge.
“Having the volume of games and then going an extended period of not playing – especially after the Exeter game (a 1-0 defeat) – it’s one myself and the players are really looking forward to getting out there and getting going again.”
Team news
Striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is back in full training for the Whites but his return may wait until Saturday’s visit of Peterborough after four games out with a hamstring injury.
Lloyd Isgrove’s comeback is on hold due to plantar fasciitis in his heel and Josh Sheehan, Eoin Toal and Owen Beck are being aimed at next Tuesday night’s Papa Johns Trophy tie at Tranmere to build up their match fitness.
MK Dons signed 14 players during the summer after losing the likes of Troy Parrott, Harry Darling and top scorer Scott Twine.
Former Rotherham striker Joshua Kayode was among the new arrivals and he could be pushing for a first league start after recovering from injury.
Midfielder Josh McEachran hasn’t figured since the opening day of the season but played in a practice match at the weekend when competitive football was put on hold.
Form guide
Wanderers won their last two games ahead of the enforced weekend break – scoring seven times in victories over Crewe (in the Papa Johns Trophy) and Charlton Athletic.
Ian Evatt’s men – eighth in the table – are seeking a first away win after two draws and a defeat on the road so far.
MK Dons – beaten play-off semi-finalists last season – are 18th in the table after two wins from their opening seven league games.
Liam Manning’s side have lost their last two games, in the Papa Johns Trophy and League One, following a four-match unbeaten run.
Officials
Referee: Chris Pollard
Assistant referees: Adam Ricketts and Nicholas Cooper
Fourth official: Ollie Williams
Kick-off
Tuesday, 7.45pm
Coverage
Watch the game live on iFollowBWFC with a match pass for just £10. To buy, click HERE