Ian Evatt returns to Bloomfield Road as Wanderers face Blackpool in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy quarter-final.

The Whites are aiming to become the first side to win the competition in back-to-back years following last season’s memorable victory against Plymouth at Wembley.

Bolton beat Accrington 3-1 in the previous round thanks to goals from Cameron Jerome, Aaron Morley and Kyle Dempsey.

Team news

Wanderers have no major injury concerns following their trip to Brunton Park, although Josh Sheehan and Paris Maghoma are both nursing minor issues.

George Thomason is available for the fixture. The midfielder missed the trip to Carlisle through suspension and will also be absent for this weekend’s clash with Barnsley.

Calvin Ramsay is available following his loan switch from Liverpool. Nathanael Ogbeta could also feature after making his debut against the Cumbrians at the weekend.

Will Forrester and Randell Williams remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, while George Johnston and Dan Nlundulu are both long-term absentees.

Opposition lowdown

Blackpool enter the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Charlton in the league, with Karamoko Dembele’s opener cancelled out by Marvin Ekpiteta’s unfortunate own goal.

The Seasiders sit eighth in the League One table, three points off the play-off places, as they aim to bounce back from last term’s relegation from the Championship.

Neil Critchley’s side reached the quarter-final following a 2-1 victory against Burton earlier this month. Matty Virtue and Ekpiteta were both on target that night.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have faced Blackpool 104 times in their history, with a record of 41 wins, 30 draws and 33 defeats.

Evatt’s men came out on top at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in November thanks to George Thomason’s thumping strike.

The Whites were beaten 2-1 on their last trip to Bloomfield Road in February 2020 despite Kean Bryan’s goal.

Predicted line-up

The Bolton News: