Wanderers will be keen to kick off the New Year with a victory when Burton Albion come to town.

Ian Evatt’s men have taken maximum points over the Christmas period following Friday night’s win at Fleetwood. Dion Charles and Victor Adeboyejo were both on target in the second half against the Cod Army.

The Whites currently sit second in the League One table – two points behind leaders Portsmouth with a game in hand at this stage.

Team news

Jack Iredale was absent from the squad against Fleetwood after complaining of pain in the knee he injured last season.

However, Evatt is confident the former Cambridge man won’t be out of action for long following checks at hospital.

Wanderers will again look to shuffle their squad against Burton to keep players fresh, which could mean recalls for the likes of Will Forrester, Aaron Morley, Paris Maghoma and Adeboyejo.

Burton are waiting on the fitness of Ryan Sweeney after the defender suffered a dead leg. Joe Powell is also a doubt for the Brewers.

Opposition lowdown

Gary Mills took interim charge at the Pirelli Stadium following Dino Maamria’s sacking and his side picked up seven out of a possible nine points over the festive period.

Burton recorded a 1-0 victory against Shrewsbury on Friday night, with Beryly Lubala’s getting the decisive goal.

The Brewers beat Blackpool by the same scoreline on Boxing Day. Bobby Kamwa was on target against the Seasiders.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have only faced Burton 10 times in their history, with their only victory coming in October 2022 after late goals from Amadou Bakayoko and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

The points were shared at the Pirelli Stadium earlier this season, with Charles cancelling out Mark Helm’s opener.

Bolton’s last defeat in the fixture came in February 2022 when John Brayford bagged a brace and Joe Powell also got on the scoresheet.

Predicted line-up

The Bolton News: