Bolton prediction

A precarious time indeed for near-neighbours Bolton, who host us on the back of five straight defeatsand currently occupy one of the relegation spots.

The past week has seen a 1-0 defeat to 10 man Wigan, and a 2-0 reversal at United - a stark indication that the lack of goals is hurting them this season (particularly since the sale of Nicolas Anelka), not to mention a noticeable drop in the number of set-piece goals, long thought of as a particular strength.

We will go into the game with confidence restored to a degree following the win over Tottenham and recent years have seen a fairly level set of results between the two sides. Martin Petrov returns after a three game spell cooling his heels in the stands, and if a positive can be taken from his suspension then hopefully he will be fresh and raring to finish the season on a high.

Benjani should be fit after a slight scare, but Didi Hamman completes his suspension whilst Kevin Nolan and Gary Cahill face late fitness tests for the hosts.

Bolton will be fighting and scrapping for their lives, but we should have enough to try and continue our late season fight for a top six finish and take us to come away with a 2-0 victory.