The Bantams will be aiming to kick-off their 2020/21 campaign with a win as they make the 42-mile journey across the Pennines to face Bolton Wanderers in the first round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow (3.00pm).
The Wanderers face only their second season in the English fourth tier throughout the club’s 146-year history, following their relegation from Sky Bet League One last season.
We have compiled an Opposition Guide, packed full of detailed information on tomorrow's hosts...
SUMMER TRANSFER ACTIVITY
Bolton Wanderers have proved to be busy during the summer transfer window, so far completing a total of 15 new signings as they look to rebuild their squad following last season’s relegation.
Ins: Matthew Gilks (Fleetwood Town), Jamie Mascoll (Wycombe Wanderers), Jak Hickman (Coventry City), Nathan Delfouneso (Blackpool), Reiss Greenidge (Arendal Fotball), Gethin Jones (Carlisle United), Ricardo Santos (Barnet), Liam Gordon (Dagenham & Redbridge), Alex Baptiste (Doncaster Rovers), Brandon Comley (Colchester United), Eoin Doyle (Swindon Town), Antoni Sarcevic (Plymouth Argyle), George Taft (Cambridge United), Billy Crellin (Fleetwood Town, loan), Tom White (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Andrew Tutte (Morecambe).
Outs: Jacob Mellis (Gillingham), Daryl Murphy (Waterford FC), Remi Matthews (Sunderland), Connor Hall (Woking), Josh Emmanuel (Hull City), Jason Lowe (Salford City), Joe Dodoo (released), Jack Hobbs (released), Will Buckley (released), Luke Murphy (Crewe Alexandra), Chris O’Grady (released).
ONES TO WATCH
Alex Baptiste
Experienced defender Alex Baptiste rejoined Bolton in the summer from Doncaster Rovers, seven years on from his initial stint with Wanderers between 2013 and 2015.
Aged 34, the former Blackpool man brings a wealth of experience to the Bolton team, having racked up a total of 494 appearances across his 18-year career so far.
Ali Crawford
Scottish midfielder Ali Crawford featured 14 times for Bolton Wanderers during the 2019/20 campaign, scoring two goals and registering five assists in an injury-hit debut season with the club.
The 29-year-old made 227 appearances for Hamilton Academical from 2009 to 2018 before making the move south of the border to Doncaster Rovers in 2018.
Nathan Delfouneso
Nathan Delfouneso joined Bolton Wanderers this summer from Sky Bet League One side Blackpool, where he netted 24 times in 125 appearances for the Seasiders over a three-year stint.
The former England under-21 international is a product of Aston Villa’s academy and was crowned top scorer for his country in the Under-19 European Championships of 2009, scoring four goals.
THE MANAGER
Bolton announced the appointment of Ian Evatt as their new head coach ahead of the 2020/21 season in July, on a three-year deal.
At 38 years old, Ian Evatt already holds an impressive reputation as a manager - achieving promotion from the Vanarama National League with Cumbrian outfit Barrow in just his second season of management.
During his playing career, the former defender racked up a total of 534 professional appearances during his time at Derby County, Northampton Town, Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool and Chesterfield.
THE CAPTAIN
Summer signing Antoni Sarcevic has been named as Bolton Wanderers captain ahead of the 2020/21 season.
Born in Manchester, the 28-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Bolton in July after three successful years with Plymouth Argyle.
In May 2013, Sarcevic was called up to the England 'C' squad to face Bermuda during his time at Chester, netting the opening goal of the game in a 6-1 win.
LAST TIME OUT
The Trotters finished their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Sky Bet League One side Crewe Alexandra at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Bolton Wanderers 0
Crewe Alexandra 3 (Powell 55', Kirk 59', Zanzala 85')
Pre-Season Friendly
Friday August 28th 2020
Bolton Wanderers: Crellin, Jones (Hickman 81'), Santos, Baptiste (Delaney 81'), Taft, Gordon (Mascoll 81'), Comley, Sarcevic, Crawford (White 61'), Delfouneso, Doyle.
The match will be available to stream - via iFollow - for £10, with video match passes available to purchase by CLICKING HERE.