Wanderers will welcome Port Vale to the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the EFL Trophy round of 32.

The Whites were guaranteed a home tie after finishing top of Group E, picking up maximum points following wins against Salford, Manchester United Under-21s and Stockport.

Ian Evatt’s men are aiming to become the first side to win the competition in back-to-back years after beating Plymouth 4-0 in last season’s final at Wembley. Kyle Dempsey, Dion Charles, Elias Kachunga and Gethin Jones were all on target against the Pilgrims.

Port Vale finished second in Group B, picking up five points from fixtures against Wrexham, Crewe and Newcastle Under-21s.

Wanderers ran out 1-0 winners when the sides met in League One earlier this season, with Dion Charles getting the decisive goal on the stroke of half time.

Evatt’s men also came out on top when the sides met at the Toughsheet Community Stadium last term, with Victor Adeboyejo and Josh Sheehan on target in a 2-1 victory.

The draw took place live on Sky Sports News and was hosted by Michelle Owen alongside Jermaine Beckford and Clinton Morrison. Liverpool Under-21s, Fleetwood and Nottingham Forest Under-21s were the other sides Bolton could have been drawn against.

All round of 32 ties are scheduled to be played in the week commencing Monday, December 4.

Here is the EFL Trophy round of 32 draw in full

NORTHERN SECTION

  • Wrexham v Burton Albion
  • Blackpool v Barnsley
  • Accrington Stanley v Lincoln City
  • Wigan Athletic v Stockport County
  • Derby County v Fleetwood Town
  • Bradford City v Liverpool Under-21
  • Doncaster Rovers v Nottingham Forest Under-21
  • Wanderers v Port Vale

SOUTHERN SECTION

  • Peterborough United v Arsenal Under-21
  • Forest Green Rovers v Oxford United
  • Crawley Town v Bristol Rovers
  • Wycombe Wanderers v Fulham Under-21
  • Portsmouth v Wimbledon
  • West Ham Under-21 v Colchester United
  • Reading v Charlton Athletic
  • MK Dons v Brighton Under-21