Bolton Wanderers' predicted line-up for Stockport County

The Whites have already booked their place in the knockout rounds following victories against Salford and Manchester United Under-21.

But Ian Evatt’s men will be keen to maintain their place at the top of Group E in order to secure a home tie in the next round.

Team news

Dion Charles, Eoin Toal, Josh Sheehan and Carlos Mendes Gomes are all unavailable due to international duty.

Bolton are still managing a couple of some “knocks and bruises” from last week’s victory at Shrewsbury.

Gethin Jones were both doubts for Saturday’s win against Blackpool but featured against the Seasiders.

Will Forrester was absent from the squad after tweaking his knee but shouldn’t be out of action for too long. Kyle Dempsey is expected to return to the first-team picture after the international break following a back issue.

Opposition lowdown

Stockport are also through to the knockout stage but sit two points behind Wanderers after drawing against Manchester United’s youngsters.

Dave Challinor’s side currently sit top of League Two and have won 13 successive matches in all competitions - a run stretching back to September 9.

The Hatters ran out 4-2 winners at Swindon over the weekend thanks to goals from Will Collar, Kyle Wootton, Odin Bailey and Callum Camps.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have faced Stockport 25 times in their history, with a record of nine wins, seven draws and nine defeats.

The Whites were knocked out of the FA Cup on their last trip to Edgeley Park in November 2021 following a 5-3 defeat after extra time. Evatt’s side led 3-1 that night thanks to Elias Kachunga and Amadou Bakayoko, as well as an Ash Palmer own goal.

Bolton’s last victory in the fixture came in January 2002 when Gudni Bergsson, Henrik Pedersen and Michael Ricketts all got on the scoresheet, plus a Karin Fradin own goal.

Predicted line-up