Bolton Wanderers get their Papa Johns Trophy campaign started this evening with a clash against Crewe Alexandra.
The Cheshire side make the short journey to the University of Bolton Stadium this evening for a 7pm kick-off. It is the start of the proceedings in Group B of the Northern section.
Tranmere Rovers and Leeds United's under-21s are the other sides in the group. The top two will qualify for the next stage of the competition.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers transfer state of play ahead of Crewe Alex as Ian Evatt calls for ruthless streak
Wanderers boss Ian Evatt faces several team selection choices for the clash and is a chance for give players in the his squad some game time. Lloyd Isgrove and Josh Sheehan are set to be handed their first minutes of the season for the first team, while summer signing Eoin Toal could make his debut.
Changes are expected for the clash and Evatt is anticipated to rotate his squad. Joel Dixon could start the clash in place of James Trafford as goalkeeper.
In the back three, Toal could be handed a debut while Will Aimson could come into the team. Jack Iredale could line up on the left of the defence.
In the wing-back positions, Isgrove could start while, with Declan John picking up a mild Achilles injury in the warm-up to Plymouth Argyle, Kieran Sadlier could do so too. In central midfield, Sheehan could be handed his first appearance of the campaign, while MJ Williams and George Thomason could also come into the team.
Upfront, Evatt could shuffle his squad around in that position too. Elias Kachunga, Amadou Bakayoko, Dapo Afolayan and Dion Charles are the options, with Evatt admitting the latter needs more game time and so it would not be a surprise to see him feature.
Bolton Wanderers predicted starting teams vs Crewe Alexandra: Dixon; Aimson, Toal, Iredale; Isgrove, Sheehan, Williams, Thomason, Sadlier; Charles, Bakayoko.
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