Bolton turn their attention to the Papa John’ Trophy tomorrow night when they host Liverpool’s kids in the second group game.
A win should take us through to the knockout stage, we already have one win in the bag after beating Port Vale and generally in these groups, whatever the competition, six points usually gets you through regardless. Five would probably be enough too, so a win via penalties would be alright too.
Another debate is whether the likes of Liverpool and their academy sides should be in this competition. Of course, the correct answer is that they shouldn’t be.
IAN EVATT | Wanderers manager previews Liverpool U21s Papa John’s Trophy home clash – YouTube
Team news
Ian Evatt has already confirmed his goalkeeper and back four. Matt Gilks will come in for Joel Dixon, while Harry Brockbank, Alex Baptiste, Will Aimson and Liam Gordon will be the defensive quartet. Changes could occur elsewhere in the side, but Evatt has promised a strong team.
Possible XI: Gilks; Brockbank, Baptiste, Aimson, Gordon; Lee, Sheehan; Kachunga, Sarcevic, Delfouneso; Bakayoko
The opposition
Liverpool’s under-age side lost 4-0 to Rochdale in their opening game of this tournament. Barry Lewtas is usually the Under-23s boss so I imagine the team will largely come from that core. The two centre backs who played against Rochdale were the versatile Tom Clayton, who can tackle and is apparently decent on the ball, he partnered French youth international Billy Koumetio, who played a Champions League group game last season. Midfielder Elijah Dixon-Bonner also has first team experience having played in the FA Cup.
Prediction
I’m sure Liverpool’s youngsters are talented but we should have enough experience to see us through. 3-0.