It’s back to the bread and butter of Sky Bet League One this weekend as Wanderers prepare to take on Derby County on home turf.
Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways following a decent cup performance against Championship opposition in midweek as they seek a fourth league victory of the campaign which could take them back to the top of the table.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt:
“We know it’s going to be really tough. Derby are an excellent team. Warnie (manager Paul Warne) has got a fantastic record in this division and they’re going to come ready for the challenge.
“But so are we, and we need to make sure we perform to the level I know we can get to and if we do then we’re confident we can get a good result.
“The only table that matters is the one after the last game of the season. But for us it’s about having a good start and solidifying that good start and we can do that on Saturday by beating one of our direct competitors.”
Derby County Assistant Head Coach Ritchie Barker:
“Bolton are another team I imagine will be in and around the top six minimum. I watched them on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup and in the first half they gave Middlesbrough a really good game.
“They are back to where they were a year ago in terms of the statistics. They are a really aggressive, pressing team.
“It will be as tough as it's going to get this season. We had a tough game against them away last year over Christmas but then we tweaked a few things and beat them at our place. I would expect them to be right up there.”
Team News
Wanderers will be without Joel Coleman after the goalkeeper left the field at half time in midweek after picking up a calf strain.
Luke Hutchinson may be involved as a back-up option after returning from his loan spell at Hyde United.
Skipper Ricardo Almeida Santos is improving following the injury he sustained in the 1-1 draw at Burton a week ago but no time scale has been put on his return.
Derby will be missing Joe Ward, Max Bird and Kane Wilson, while forward Tom Barkhuizen is in contention to return following a calf injury.
Rams' midfielder Louis Sibley will be assessed after picking up a knock in training.
Form guide
After a shaky start to the campaign, the Rams have responded well in recent weeks.
An opening day defeat at home to Wigan and an early exit from the Carabao Cup has been followed up by three wins out of their last four outings in Sky Bet League One.
Last time out, Derby blew Peterborough away with four first half goals. After going a goal behind, Warne’s men responded by being 4-1 at half time and eventually won 4-2.
As for Wanderers, an improved performance at Burton Albion earned the Whites a respectable point on the road before being edged out by Middlesbrough by two late goals in the Carabao Cup in mid-week.
Officials:
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Assistant Referees: Darren Williams and Daniel Woodward
Fourth Official: Steven Rushton
Kick-off:
Saturday, 3pm
Tickets
Another big crowd is expected at the Toughsheet Community Stadium so get your tickets in advance to avoid potential queues on matchday.
CLICK HERE to get your tickets.
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.