League One football returns to the Toughsheet Community Stadium for the Whites' home season opener against Wrexham, who are playing in the third tier for the first time since 2005 following their promotion last season.
Wanderers will be looking to make it two wins out of two after last weekend's 2-1 win over Leyton Orient.
The game will be the first meeting between the sides since the 1987/88 season when Wanderers completed the double – as well as knocking the Robins out of the FA Cup – on their way to promotion from the old Fourth Division.
Wrexham’s visit will also see a return to Wanderers for former boss Phil Parkinson, who has led the Welsh outfit to back-to-back promotions since the club’s takeover by US-based film starts and movie moguls Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
![Phil Parkinson watching Bolton](https://cdn.bwfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/shutterstock_editorial_14609261lv.jpg)
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “Two wins is important to really start with momentum. Have we played the best? No. Did I expect us to? No. But I’m actually quite pleased because if we were all singing and dancing now we wouldn't have the ability to progress and improve and I think we've got that chance.
“We had some disruption in pre-season with some injuries and historical ones from last season. We had some recruits we didn't get in the building until late and they're going to improve as we go.
“So as well as the tactical changes, which are all very new, this is a team which is going to be a work in progress. To see us get two wins in the first two games, from difficult games as well, is pleasing. There's more to come.”
![Team celebration Mansfield](https://cdn.bwfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/shutterstock_editorial_14633335db.jpg)
Wrexham Manager Phil Parkinson: "I think when you go back to an old club, it always has that added importance.
"They are a big club in the division. They have had two near misses in the play-offs and will be expectant there, but we will be ready and pick the best team we feel can give us the best chance of getting the win."
Team news
Wanderers rotated their side for the mid-week Carabao Cup win over Mansfield Town on penalties, which potentially gives boss Ian Evatt one or two added options.
![Thomason goal](https://cdn.bwfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/shutterstock_editorial_14633335bm.jpg)
Wanderers still have some injury issues, though, with forward Klaidi Lolos waiting for a second opinion to see if he will require surgery after a heavy challenge in Wanderers' win over Leyton Orient left him with ankle ligament challenge.
Carlos Mendes Gomes is on the mend and making good progress from a ruptured Achilles tendon, although not yet close to a return.
More good news on the short-term front sees the availability of Kyle Dempsey this weekend, returning from a knee injury that was causing the midfielder issues in pre-season.
Wrexham are likely to be without last season's top scorer Paul Mullin who was back on the grass this week after returning from surgery.
Club record signing Ollie Rathbone made his debut on Tuesday night in cup defeat and took a hit for his efforts which leaves doubts over whether the former Rotherham man will be fit for Sunday's clash.
Wrexham wing-back Jacob Mendy looks set to return after recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered towards the end of last season which will be a huge boost to the left side of the visitors' defence.
Form Guide
Wanderers progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, beating Mansfield Town on penalties. Ian Evatt's side will now travel to Shrewsbury Town in the next round.
![charles](https://cdn.bwfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/shutterstock_editorial_14623068f.jpg)
That was off the back of Wanderers getting three points in their first league game of the season away to Leyton Orient.
Wrexham crashed out of the first round of the Carabao Cup with a 4-2 defeat to Sheffield United but the Welsh side did start their league campaign with three points after defeating Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 at home on the opening day.
Kick-off
Sunday, 3PM
Tickets
Over 25,000 of you have already purchased your tickets for Sunday's home opener and there's still time to secure your seat.
If you can't make it, audio passes will be available for UK based supporters.
Those based internationally can stream the game through Wanderers TV.
Click here to purchase your passes.
The game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.