Bolton v Wigan preview

North West rivals look for top 10 finish to the year

Last updated: 27th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bolton v Wigan preview

Davies: Set to start

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Bolton 1 Wigan 1
Sky Bet odds: Bolton 6/5 Draw 9/4 Wigan 12/5
One to Watch: Kevin Davies
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Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic will both be aiming to finish the year in the top 10 after the North West derby at the Reebok Stadium.

Gary Megson's men have been in inconsistent form in recent weeks, winning five and losing six of their last 11 Premier League games.

In contrast, Wigan have surged up the table after a run of one defeat in eight games, which has also brought five victories for Steve Bruce's side.

Megson is expected to make at least one change from the team which started Boxing Day's 3-0 defeat at table-topping Liverpool.

Davies to return

Kevin Davies was dropped in favour of Fabrice Muamba as Megson sought to flood the midfield, however the tactic back-fired for the Trotters.

Davies did come on as a second-half substitute at Anfield, so the striker seems certain to start, with Muamba likely to be back on the bench.

Gary Cahill is a concern due to a back injury, but Megson is optimistic that the centre-half will be fit to partner Andy O'Brien.

However, Megson continues to be without Tamir Cohen and Joey O'Brien as he prepares to improve his squad in the transfer window.

Taylor worry

Latics boss Steve Bruce has a concern over Ryan Taylor, who scored the opening goal in the 2-1 Boxing Day win at home to Newcastle United.

Taylor was replaced with 20 minutes to go due to cramp, so the likes of Michael Brown, Daniel De Ridder and Jason Koumas are all possible replacements.

Lee Cattermole collected his fifth booking of the season for a challenge on Habib Beye, meaning the tenacious midfielder is to serve a suspension.

Emmerson Boyce was on the bench against Newcastle after injury and is again likely to have to settle for a substitute's role.

Possible teams:

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, O'Brien, Samuel, Taylor, McCann, Nolan, Gardner, Davies, Elmander

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Taylor, Heskey, Zaki