Bolton Wanderers have received a significant squad boost ahead of their Championship clash with Stoke City this weekend. Four international players have returned to the Lostock training base without any injury concerns following the break.

Thierry Gale, Josh Sheehan, Eoin Toal and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu are all available for selection. Their return provides manager Steven Schumacher with more options as his team, currently 15th in the table with 10 points from eight games, looks to build on recent momentum. The side is on a two-game winning run, having edged Norwich City 4-3 and beaten Cardiff City 1-0 before the international pause.

Predicted lineup revealed

Steven Schumacher is expected to name a strong side in a 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit of Stoke City. The predicted starting eleven sees Gavin Bazunu in goal, with a back four of Gaizka Larrazabal, Eoin Toal, George Davies and Max Conway. The midfield pivot is set to feature Ethan Erhahon and the returning Josh Sheehan, while Samuel Iling-Junior, Ruben Rodrigues and Thierry Gale operate behind striker Sam Dalby.

A key change sees Aston Villa loanee Samuel Iling-Junior come into the side, replacing Kyliane Dong. Iling-Junior assisted the late winner against Norwich City, setting up Atsuki Ito, who is expected to be among the substitutes this weekend. Ruben Rodrigues will partner the in-form Thierry Gale in advanced midfield roles. Gale, the club's top scorer this season with three goals in eight appearances, netted for Barbados six times during the international window and also scored in the dramatic victory over Norwich.

Recent form and opposition

Bolton's recent 4-3 win over Norwich showed their attacking potential, with Gale, Larrazabal, Dalby and Ito all on the scoresheet. They face a stern test against a Stoke City side managed by Mark Robins, who have won four of their last five matches and sit seventh in the Championship. Defender Chris Forino remains sidelined and unavailable for the hosts.

To maintain sharpness, Bolton played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Motherwell during the break. The full-back pairing of Larrazabal and Conway has been noted for its offensive contributions, though the team has conceded 15 goals this season. Bolton's 1-0 victory over Cardiff City was secured by a goal in the 23rd minute from Thierry Gale. Bolton Wanderers host Stoke City at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday.

The original report is at The Bolton News