It's second-v-third in the League One promotion race as Wanderers head to Derby.

Ian Evatt’s men are only a point behind the Rams following their emphatic win against Oxford in midweek.

The Whites are now unbeaten in their last four games as they aim to build momentum heading into the business end of the campaign.

Team news

Dion Charles has “zero per cent” chance of being involved against Derby despite being called up to the Northern Ireland squad.

The forward has struggled to rid himself of a knee injury, with his last appearance coming against Wycombe a month ago.

Meanwhile, Nathan Baxter’s splint comes off today and the goalkeeper will have a further scan before seeing a specialist on Monday.

As for the hosts, Ryan Nyambe has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after having surgery on his quad.

Max Bird is also sidelined by a calf problem but Conor Washington was due to return to training on Thursday.

Opposition lowdown

Derby also picked up three points in midweek following a 2-1 victory against Reading thanks to goals from Dwight Gayle and Conor Hourihane.

Paul Warne’s side have now won three successive matches in the league – two of those coming at Pride Park.

Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace man Gayle, who joined the Rams on a free transfer last month, has now scored three goals in as many matches.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have faced Derby 136 times in their history, with a record of 47 wins, 23 draws and 66 defeats.

Evatt’s men came out on top when the sides met at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in September thanks to goals from Charles and Josh Dacres-Cogley.

The Whites were beaten 2-1 on their last trip to Pride Park despite Kieran Sadlier’s goal in stoppage time.

Predicted line-up

The Bolton News: