Sunderland v Bolton preview

Sbragia looking for positive start after permanent appointment

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 2nd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sunderland v Bolton preview

Sbragia: Determined to progress

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Sunderland 1 Bolton 0
Sky Bet odds: Sunderland 5/4 Draw 9/4 Bolton 9/4
One to Watch: Kenwyne Jones
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Sunderland and Bolton will aim to put a disappointing festive period behind them by progressing to the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.

The boost provided by Sunderland's recent managerial change appears to be wearing off having had a goalless draw at home to Blackburn before being thumped 3-0 at Everton.

Bolton, meanwhile, have lost four of their five league games since pulling off a 4-1 win on their last visit to the Stadium of Light on 29th November, which proved to be Roy Keane's last game in charge of the Black Cats.

Sunderland also played host to Premier League opposition in the third round of last season's competition and with top-flight survival the priority, an under-strength side was beaten 3-0 by Wigan.

Third-round exits

A weakened Bolton side fell at the first hurdle, too, losing 1-0 to Sheffield United, and although Premier League safety remains the key objective for both clubs this term, cup glory can help boost team morale as they head into the business end of the season.

Ricky Sbragia led Sunderland to successive four-goal victories following Keane's departure, and he is determined to get back to winning ways in his first home game since being named as the Irishman's permanent successor.

The former Bolton coach insists he will name the strongest side available so Anton Ferdinand and Andy Reid could return after being ruled out of the Everton game due to illness.

Defender Danny Collins has recovered from a facial injury he suffered at Goodison Park although striker Michael Chopra has returned from his loan spell at Cardiff with an ankle problem and is facing a race against time to be fit.

Bolton's Gavin McCann will definitely not be facing his former club, though, as the experienced midfielder is out through suspension.

Full-back Nicky Hunt could come into contention for the Trotters after being recalled from his loan spell at Birmingham, while Gary Cahill (rib/hip) remains doubtful after sitting out last weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Wigan.