Bolton Wanderers' predicted line-up for Aston Villa U21 test

Ian Evatt’s men made a winning start in the group stage, coming from behind to beat Barrow at Holker Street.

The Whites drew 2-2 against Shrewsbury in League One at the weekend despite trailing at the break.

Team news

Dion Charles, Eoin Toal, Luke Southwood, Josh Sheehan and Szabi Schon are all unavailable due to international duty.

Nathan Baxter and Joel Coleman remain sidelined, which means that Luke Hutchinson is set for his senior debut between the sticks.

Sam Inwood could also get an opportunity after impressing for the B Team, while Klaidi Lolos will get minutes under his belt after returning from an ankle injury.

Villa named a strong line-up in their opener at Fleetwood, with Emi Buendia, Ross Barkley, Jacob Ramsey and Lamare Bogarde all involved. However, that seems less likely tonight after the first team played against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara both made their returns from injury for the Under-21 side against Newcastle in Premier League 2 at the weekend.

Opposition lowdown

Josep Gombau's side ran out 3-2 winners against Fleetwood in their opener at the Highbury Stadium, with Buendia bagging a brace before Kyrie Pierre netted the winner.

The youngsters currently sit 17th in Premier League 2, having won two of their opening six league matches.

Villa finished bottom of Group J last season, failing to win any of their matches against Crawley, Charlton and Sutton United.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have never faced Villa’s youngsters in a competition fixture but have come up against the first team on many occasions, holding a record of 60 wins, 40 draws and 66 defeats.

The Villans came to the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the Carabao Cup in August 2022, recording a 4-1 victory despite Dion Charles’ opener.

Bolton’s last win against Villa came in March 2018 in the Championship, with Adam Le Fondre getting the decisive goal.

Predicted line-up

(Image: buildlineup.com)