Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has challenged his side to “stand up” to the challenge Wycombe will pose at the weekend.

Gareth Ainsworth’s men narrowly missed out on promotion last season, losing out against Sunderland in the play-off final at Wembley.

Evatt expects his side will be tested against the Chairboys but is optimistic they have what it takes to win the game.

“Football is subjective. Everyone has got their own opinion, everybody wants to play a certain way and there is no right or wrong to that,” said the Bolton chief.

“We all have beliefs and philosophies. I have one and Gareth has another, but first and foremost it is a sport and you are in the business of winning games.

“They have done that consistently since Gareth has been in charge. They are a good team, they are hard to beat and they certainly know how to cause your problems and ask you questions defensively.

“We have to stand up to that and also be the best version of ourselves. If we can do that, it gives us a good chance of winning the game. But we know we are going to be tested, they are a really good team.”

Ainsworth is the second-longest serving manager in the Football League, having taken charge at Adams Park almost a decade ago.

Evatt says the Wycombe boss deserves credit for maintaining high standards during his lengthy tenure.

He added: “When you have been at a club for that length of time, it is really unusual but you have to continuously evolve the team and change players.

“What they have done is continuously have a revolving door with players but still manage to keep to a good level.

“That is credit to Gareth and his coaching staff. We know exactly what to face and what is coming.

“Knowing what to expect is pretty easy but dealing with it is another matter, and we have to make sure we deal with it on Saturday.”

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