The Valley has been a happy hunting ground for Wanderers in recent years – but they will certainly not be taking Saturday’s game lightly.
Ian Evatt’s men have won their last three trips to SE7. Last year, it was a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Randell Williams and Dion Charles.
Charles was also on target in a 2-1 win the season prior, although that game is best remembered for Aaron Morley’s stunning free kick in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Nearly three years ago, Kieran Lee stole the show with a brace as Bolton cruised to a 4-1 victory in the capital, proving they meant business in League One.
In fact, the Whites are unbeaten in their last five away games against Charlton – a run stretching back to October 2014 when Dean Moxey netted in a 2-1 defeat.
Wanderers can take heart from their form at the Valley but does it actually mean anything come Saturday? Not really.
Sure, the fact that most of the squad know how it feels to play there and leave with three points could be a mental boost.
But ultimately, everything that has happened in the past goes out the window once the players step over the white line.
It is still early days but the Addicks seemed to have upped their game under Nathan Jones, taking maximum points from their first couple of league games.
The ex-Premier League manager oversaw a 14-match unbeaten run following his arrival in February, although results tailed off at the back end of the campaign.
That run included a 3-3 draw at the Toughsheet Community Stadium with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson rescuing a point for the Whites, who had initially led through Victor Adeboyejo.
Ian Evatt could have a few selection headaches for the weekend, one of those being in the backline.
George Johnston made his first league start in over a year against Wrexham and produced a solid display.
However, the Bolton boss has explained the need to be cautious with Johnston following his lengthy spell out of action.
Chris Forino will also be keen for a chance to show what he can do following his summer switch from Wycombe.
There is huge competition for places in the middle of the pitch following Kyle Dempsey’s return to fitness, while Jay Matete has shown promising signs since arriving on a season-long loan from Sunderland.
Dion Charles got the nod up front in the first couple of league games, although Victor Adeboyejo came off the bench to score the winner at Leyton Orient on the opening day.
Wanderers’ strong home form has been a constant under Evatt but there were a few frustrating afternoons on the road last season.
The Whites managed to get the job done without being at their fluid best at Brisbane Road – a knack that will serve them well as they aim to be competing near the top end of League One again.
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