Bolton Wanderers lineup for Port Vale predicted as eight players backed to return

Bolton Wanderers were convincing winners in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, but manager Ian Evatt is likely to stick by those who saw off Wycombe Wanderers last weekend in League One.

It's been a strong start to the season for Wanderers, who began with a solid point at Ipswich Town before dispatching of the Chairboys three-nil and thrashing Salford City 5-1 on Tuesday. Evatt made eight changes in total for the cup clash and opportunities were taken by those brought into the side. It's now back to league action though, away to Port Vale.

The only fresh concern heading into this weekend's clash at promoted Vale is left-back Declan John, who was replaced at half time versus Salford due to a sickness bug. Striker Dion Charles will miss out due to a thigh strain, but captain Ricardo Almeida Santos should be back after sitting out of Tuesday's cup clash with a painful foot issue.

READ MORE: Inside the rise of Dion Charles

Summer recruit Eoin Toal is building his sharpness up after injury while Josh Sheehan and Lloyd Isgrove are both working their way back to full fitness still. George Thomason was sent off against Salford but Bolton have lodged an appeal against that decision, in the hope to have him available at Vale Park.

George Johnston and Gethin Jones should keep their places in the heart of defence alongside Santos, while MJ Williams is expected to continue in midfield for Wanderers. On-loan Liverpool man Conor Bradley - who came off the bench and scored in midweek - is backed to come back into the starting lineup along with several others who got the nod for Wycombe.

Ahead of the game, Evatt said: “We’ve had two excellent home performances but we have to replicate the home form away, especially if we’re going to achieve