Bolton v Blackburn Rovers - Preview
Posted: Sunday 22nd November 2009
Bolton host Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, with both sides looking nervously over their shoulder at a potential relegation battle.
Wanderers have dropped into the bottom three following Saturday's results, while Blackburn are only two points better off in 15th.
Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will have been looking forward to a return to his old club but will miss the game as he prepares to undergo heart surgery.
With their visitors having lost their previous 10 away games, Bolton will be confident ahead of the game even with several changes expected following the defeat at Aston Villa last time out.
Tamir Cohen limped out of that game with a groin injury, meaning Johan Elmander could return to the starting 11. Jlloyd Samuel also looks set for a recall after missing the 5-1 defeat at Villa Park through suspension.
Zat Knight is under increasing pressure from the stands at the Reebok, but he is expected to hold off competition from Andy O'Brien to keep his place alongside Gary Cahill in defence.
With the absence of Allardyce, former Wanderers coach Neil McDonald will take charge of Blackburn and could make changes of his own.
Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy will both be hoping to get the nod, as both hold impressive goalscoring records against the Trotters.
Vince Grella has recovered from a hamstring injury and will also be pushing for a recall of his own.
David Dunn, who rejected the chance to join Bolton a couple of years ago, is expected to be the key for Rovers as they look to put an end to their recent poor record away from home.