After a classy 4-1 away win in their last league outing and some key additions late in the transfer window, Wanderers will be hoping to kick on from their good form of late as Barnsley are the visitors to the Toughsheet Community Stadium this Saturday.
Ian Evatt secured the services of Aaron Collins and Caleb Taylor on deadline day to add to the previous signings of Nathanael Ogbeta and Calvin Ramsay as he looks to continue Wanderers’ promotion chase.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “We’re going well and we’re in a really strong position and now it’s about cementing that position and kicking on.
“This is the first game of our double header against Barnsley over the next few weeks and we know it’s going to be tough. They’re a competitor of ours and they’re not far behind us in the league table so we need to put on a really strong performance.
“They’re a good team, they’ve changed a bit and evolved but we know exactly what to expect and it will be a good game.”
Barnsley Manager Neill Collins: “Our away form has been great but we know this weekend is going to be our biggest test. The players have risen to every challenge away from home.
“Bolton have got a distinct way of playing and players who are suited to that way of playing and have done it over a period of time. On any given day in this league, anyone can beat anyone and Bolton have been on the end of a few tough home games like everyone has.
“If we go there and play the best we can, we’ll have a great chance.”
Team News
Captain Ricardo Almeida Santos will miss out this weekend after picking up a knock in midweek.
Eoin Toal and Will Forrester are being assessed to determine their availability for this one.
Deadline days signings Aaron Collins and Caleb Taylor are available for selection for Ian Evatt's side.
Form guide
Prior to Saturday, you’d have to stretch back to early November last year to read about Barnsley’s last League One defeat which led them on an 11 game unbeaten run.
That was before Exeter City rocked up and took all three points from Oakwell last Saturday after the Tykes had been on a three game winning streak.
Neil Collins will no doubt be eyeing another similar run of form to maintain their promotion ambitions and they’re sure to be a difficult test for Ian Evatt’s men on Saturday.
Having said that, Wanderers are in rich run of form themselves with six wins out of their last seven league outings which has kept the Whites firmly in the automatic promotion race.
Wanderers currently occupy 2nd position whilst Barnsley sit in 5th, five points behind having played a game more.
Officials:
Referee: John Busby
Assistant Referees: Ian Cooper and Hristo Karaivanov
Fourth Official: Scott Jackson
Kick-off:
Saturday, 3pm.
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.