Wanderers could move a step closer to Wembley when they take on Manchester United Under-21s in the Papa Johns Trophy last 16 (KO 7:45pm).

The Whites will be eager to return to winning ways following Saturday’s late 3-2 defeat at Shrewsbury despite Dion Charles’ brace.

Ian Evatt’s men reached this stage thanks to a 3-2 win against League Two outfit Barrow last month after goals from Dapo Afolayan, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Elias Kachunga.

Team news

Aaron Morley, Kieran Sadlier, Owen Beck and Declan John are all back in contention for Wanderers after missing the trip to Shrewsbury.

Skipper Ricardo Santos is also making progress a week on from his return home after needing a stay in hospital.

Kyle Dempsey is due back in training “later this week” as he steps up his recovery from ligament damage on an injured ankle.

Will Aimson returned to the bench at Shrewsbury, but George Thomason will be out for some time after dislocating his knee and tearing a ligament.

Opposition lowdown

United’s youngsters finished top of Group G, picking up seven points from fixtures against Barrow, Fleetwood and Carlisle.

Travis Binnion’s side beat wolves Under-21s on penalties in the last round following a goalless draw at Molineux.

Former Tottenham and England midfielder Tom Huddlestone has played for United in the Papa Johns Trophy this season as part of his new role as a player-coach.

Alejandro Garnacho, who has made 10 first-team appearances this season, has also been involved in the competition and scored in the 2-1 win against Barrow.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have never faced United’s Under-21 side in a competitive fixture and haven’t come up against the senior side in more than a decade.

The Whites were beaten 5-0 when the sides last met at the UniBol back in September 2011, with Wayne Rooney scoring a hat trick and Javier Hernandez also bagging a brace.

Bolton’s last win in the fixture came in November 2007 when Nicolas Anekla got the decisive goal. It was Gary Megson’s first win in charge of the club.

Predicted line-up

The Bolton News:

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription