Match Preview

Preview: Bolton v Sunderland

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Oh man. This is huge. Tomorrow we welcome Sunderland in will be described quite rightly as a six pointer. A win here could give us a touch of breathing space as we try and pull away from the pits of the Championship relegation battle. A defeat keeps us in it at best, while a loss would be unthinkable for multiple reasons.

Vital Quotes:

“We have had knockbacks before and bounced back, so we have to be resilient. We need the fans on Tuesday to get right behind the team. They did it here, they travelled down and gave us great support and it`ll be a full-on atmosphere again at the Macron, where the lads enjoy playing.”

Phil Parkinson in the Bolton News.

Bolton Wanderers Team News:

Aaron Wilbraham and Darren Pratley should both be available, but a mix of knocks and the suspension of Mark Little could mean a number of changes for Wanderers.

Player to watch: Sammy Ameobi

His older brother was the “Mackemslayer” and Sammy did a passable impression at the Stadium of Light in October, getting on the scoresheet with a wonderful effort. As will be the case with pretty much every other game between now and May, we`ll need a significant contribution from him.

Sunderland Team News:

Lamine Kone and Paddy McNair are once again available, while Bryan Oviedo could also set for a return.

Player to watch: Lee Cattermole

Not a dangerman as such, but him against Karl Henry should be interesting to watch.

Match Facts & Stats

We haven`t beaten Sunderland at home for a decade. Our last victory was in 2008, which effectively kept us in the Premier League.

The reverse fixture back in October saw us draw 3-3, Both frontmen that night, Gary Madine and Lewis Grabban, have since left their respective clubs.

If someone gets sent-off, it`ll be the first time Bolton have received consecutive red cards since December 2011 – a relegation season.

Chris Coleman last won at the Reebok on the final day of the 2003-04 season, when his Fulham side beat us 2-0.

Bolton have lost just one of their last 11 home league games, but that came against fellow relegation-strugglers Burton.

Match Prediction:

We need to win. We can win. I think we will win. 2-0.

Next Fixtures:

Norwich away on Saturday, before we host Preston a week later.

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