Burnden Aces

Team News: Rochdale v Bolton Wanderers

• January 10, 2020 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/1911a

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• League One, Rochdale
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Bolton and Rochdale meet for the fourth time this season on Saturday, with Wanderers' threadbare squad in somewhat of a transitional state.

A 4-3 defeat at home to Burton Albion on New Year's Day gave manager Keith Hill food for thought when it came to planning for the clash with Dale and he has been active in the transfer market over the past 10 days - with players entering and leaving through the doors at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Thibaud Verlinden (Stoke City), Liam Bridcutt (Nottingham Forest), Josh Earl (Preston North End) and Jake Wright (Sheffield United) have all returned to their respective clubs following the expiry of loan deals, while Will Buckley has departed the club after his short-term contract came to an end.

Muhammadu Faal and George Thomason have joined from Enfield Town and Longridge Town, respectively, with Ethan Hamilton (Manchester United) and Toto Nsiala (Ipswich Town) linking up with the Trotters on loan until the end of the season.

Nsiala is expected to be thrown in at the heart of the visiting defence at the Crown Oil Arena, with Harry Brockbank, Liam Edwards, Yoan Zouma and Adam Senior the only recognised options available to partner him.

Jack Hobbs remains doubtful with a long-term back problem and Joe Bunney is also not yet under consideration for selection as he awaits his Wanderers debut at left-back.

Adam Chicksen is likely to start in that position but with his contract set to expire on Sunday, manager Hill may opt to blood youth as he considers his options for the remainder of the campaign.

Ali Crawford is injured and Jason Lowe serves the second game of a three-match suspension, potentially opening the door for Dennis Politic to return in midfield after a goalscoring cameo appearance last time out, with his chances boosted following Luke Murphy's red card against Burton.

Bolton Wanderers: from: Matthews, Alexander, Emmanuel, Chicksen, Brockbank, Edwards, Zouma, Senior, Nsiala, Weir, Politic, Darcy, Graham, Hamilton, Thomason, D Murphy, O'Grady, Dodoo, Hall, Faal

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