Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt is set to give a number of the B team starts as they host Salford City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening.
Wanderers’ kick off their defence of the EFL Trophy when they host Salford, but with it now being the international break, Evatt is being forced to rotate his side.
Evatt is also wanting to win the competition again, despite the priority this season being to win promotion out of League One and into the Championship. Bolton will be feeling confirmed after their 2-1 win against Derby.
“Nothing changes – we go into this competition wanting to win it,” he told The Bolton News.
“We wanted to deliver something for the fans, a memory and an occasion, and I think we did that – but this year our approach will be exactly the same.
“We played Salford in pre-season and we know it will be a challenge, they are a good team who have done well in the cup competitions already this season, but we want to get off to a good start as well.”
Ian Evatt to give plenty of rotation for EFL Trophy
On giving some of the B team a chance to impress, Evatt said: “It gives us the chance to utilise the squad but I think this group is a strong one and when we make changes it doesn’t necessarily mean we will be lots weaker. I think we have a blend and a balance.
“The internationals being away isn’t ideal because some of those players need game time. But some of those who have gone away, Zac Ashworth for example, will probably start for Wales Under-21s. He will get that game time it would just be more ideal if it was for us.
“We are a few bodies light but it does give the opportunity for a few of the B Team who have done well so far this season and we are excited by the challenge.