Burnden Aces

Team News: Bolton Wanderers v Preston North End

• March 11, 2016 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/60caa

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• Championship, Preston North End
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Preston North End are the visitors to Macron Stadium on Saturday, as Bolton look to begin a new era under Dean Holdsworth with a rare victory.

Wanderers have won just four league games all season and start the weekend 10 points adrift of safety, meaning relegation is looming and could be confirmed in just a matter of weeks.

The scenario isn't ideal for the new owners, but Holdsworth admits to have been impressed with recent performances and will hope Neil Lennon's side can convert those into victories between now and May 7.

Wellington Silva's late cameo against Ipswich Town in midweek could see him restored to the starting line-up for the visit of the Lilywhites, after dropping to the substitutes' bench for each of the last five games.

Kaiyne Woolery will be assessed after dropping out of the squad last time out through illness, while Emile Heskey is a major doubt as he continues to struggle with a hip problem.

Josh Vela's absence in that game provided Lawrie Wilson with an opportunity to impress, one which he took by scoring his first goal in Wanderers colours, but Vela is back in contention and will provide Lennon with a difficult decision in defence.

David Wheater, Max Clayton (both hamstring), Ben Amos and Dorian Dervite (both ankle) remain sidelined as Bolton continue to operate with a similar squad that has been available since the start of the year.

Preston will make their first visit to the Macron in 16 years without the services of star striker Joe Garner, who will serve a two-match suspension after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season in Tuesday's defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Eoin Doyle, Callum Robinson and Jordan Hugill are all fighting to replace him in attack, although there will be no place for former Wanderers player Jermaine Beckford, who hasn't featured since August after knee surgery.

Paul Gallagher is hoping to delay a hernia operation until the summer and should be fit to feature, while late tests will be handed to both Alan Browne and Neil Kilkenny.

Stevie May, Liam Grimshaw and Chris Humphrey are all long-term absentees.

Bolton Wanderers: from: Rachubka, Campbell, Moxey, Osede, Wilson, Finney, Holding, Vela, Feeney, Spearing, Davies, Trotter, Danns, Pratley, Silva, Twardzik, Woolery, Walker, Clough, Madine, Dobbie

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