Wanderers are out to bounce back in League One and secure the bragging rights when they host Blackpool in a Lancashire derby.

Ian Evatt’s men were thrashed by Stockport in their last outing on a disastrous afternoon at Edgeley Park.

The Whites had won six out of eight in the league and got themselves back into the play-offs prior to their clash with the Hatters but now sit in 11th place.

Team news

Kyle Dempsey is expected to be out of action for around four weeks after having surgery on his knee injury.

Dempsey hasn’t featured since the defeat at Birmingham and Evatt is relieved that the midfielder isn’t facing longer on the sidelines.

George Thomason is back in contention after missing the past six weeks with a hamstring problem.

The skipper could now be involved against his former club, having previously spent time in Blackpool’s Academy ranks.

Meanwhile, the visitors have a lengthy injury list including the likes of Andy Lyons, Albie Morgan, Sonny Carey, Elkan Baggott, Jake Beesley and CJ Hamilton.

Opposition lowdown

Blackpool are without a win in their last seven league matches and currently find themselves 18th in the table.

The Seasiders were in action last weekend but had to settle for a point against Northampton after Rob Apter missed a big chance in the final stages.

Former Newcastle and West Brom boss Steve Bruce took charge at Bloomfield Road in September following Neil Critchley’s sacking.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have faced Blackpool 106 times in their history, with a record of 41 wins, 31 draws and 34 defeats.

Evatt’s men came out on top when the sides met at the Toughsheet Community Stadium last season thanks to Thomason’s thumping strike.

However, it was a very different story on the Fylde Coast several months later as Bolton suffered a 4-1 defeat following Ricardo Santos’ controversial red card, which was later overturned.

Predicted line-up

(Image: buildlineup.com)