The Boxing Day fixture is one that every supporter looks forward to – and Wanderers’ clash with Barnsley could be a cracker.

Ian Evatt’s men are looking to build on their positive display at Wycombe, securing a point against the league leaders.

The Whites are only outside the play-off places on goal difference with at least one game in hand on the sides immediately above them.

Team news

Ricardo Santos and George Johnston are both back available. The defensive duo missed the trip to Adams Park through suspension.

However, Jay Matete misses out after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against the Chairboys.

Jordi Osei-Tutu is back in contention after missing the Wycombe fixture with a minor knee problem.

Eoin Toal also comes back into the thinking after spending the past couple of months out of action with a hamstring issue.

As for the visitors, former Bolton man Luca Connell and fellow midfielder Adam Phillips could both be back involved.

Opposition lowdown

Barnsley are looking to bounce back from a 4-0 drubbing against Leyton Orient at Oakwell last weekend. Jamie Donley, Omar Beckles, Charlie Kelman and Sonny Perkins were all on target for the O's.

That result left the Tykes ninth in the table and a point behind Bolton, who have played two games fewer.

However, Darrell Clarke’s side have one of the best away records in the division this season with six wins from their 10 matches on the road to date.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have faced Barnsley 51 times in competitive matches, with a record of 18 wins, 18 draws and 15 defeats.

Bolton prevailed over two legs in the play-off semi-final last term thanks to an impressive 3-1 victory at Oakwell. Dion Charles bagged a brace that night, with Randell Williams adding a third in stoppage time.

The Tykes won the second leg at the Toughsheet Community Stadium 3-2 despite Aaron Collins’ stunning strike and Toal’s towering header.

Predicted line-up

(Image: buildlineup.com)