Santos back as Bakayoko to start? Bolton Wanderers predicted team to start vs MK Dons

A look at the Wanderers side which could start against the Dons at Stadium MK

Bolton Wanderers have been boosted by the impending return to the team of captain Ricardo Almeida Santos.

The Bolton skipper was absent for the midweek win over Lincoln City due to the birth of his second son, but will be back in the heart of defence tomorrow vs MK Dons.

Ian Evatt has also confirmed that Declan John has recovered from a back spasm and is poised to start after coming off at half-time against the Imps as a precaution.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on MK Dons, team selection, play-offs message & opposition view

The Bolton boss says he has a team in his mind to start this fixture and has done so for the past fortnight, which has had to have one change owing to Kieran Lee's absence, as Evatt prepares to play on a pitch at Stadium MK which he feels will not suit either of the sides' playing styles.

Evatt sadi: "I don’t think the pitch is as good as what we’d like it to be or them to be honest, because they’re a really attractive football team as well.

"I think it’s going to be a hindrance to both teams and not a help, but what I will say is that I think we’ve got the weapons to be able to cope with it, probably better than they have.

"So we will have a look at it and I’ve already got a team in my head, I’ve had it in my head for this game for two weeks. It hasn’t really changed apart from Kieran Lee really, but other than that I know what we’re going to need to do.

"I know the game plan, it’s just how well we execute that, that’s it’s now and we’ve got to prepare the players as best we can and hope they execute on Saturday.”

James Trafford is poised to start as goalkeeper once again while Santos should return to the middle of the back three alongside Gethin Jones and George Johnston.

In central midfield, MJ Williams could continue alongside Aaron Morley, with Dapo Afolayan in the number 10 role and the wing-backs lining up as Marlon Fossey on the right and Declan John on the left.

Dion Charles will surely start and could be joined by Amadou Bakayoko who is currently experiencing a purple patch in front of goal and start like he did on the road against fellow play-off contenders Oxford United.

Predicted Bolton Wanderers team to start vs MK Dons: Trafford; Jones, Santos, Johnston; Fossey, Williams, Morley, John; Afolayan; Charles, Bakayoko.