Bolton v Sunderland preview
Monday 19 February 2018 18:23, UK
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson will have to make changes for Tuesday night's crucial Sky Bet Championship clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland.
Full-back Mark Little begins a three-match ban following his dismissal at QPR on Saturday, a game which saw midfielder Josh Vela leave Loftus Road wearing a protective boot after suffering an ankle injury. Parkinson has a series of other knocks with which to contend and could be ready to ring the changes.
Darren Pratley travelled to QPR but did not make the final 18 after recovering from a cracked fibula, while Aaron Wilbraham (calf), Will Buckley (hamstring) and Craig Noone (knee) all back in training and Liverpool loanee Jon Flanagan is also back in contention.
Sunderland manager Chris Coleman will have Lamine Kone and Paddy McNair available after they stepped up their respective bids for match fitness. Bryan Oviedo could also return after being left out of the 18 for Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Brentford, although he is recovering from a bout of illness.
Loan signing Ovie Ejaria missed the Brentford game because of a knock, and Coleman will make a late decision on him. However, Kazenga LuaLua is out with an ankle problem and joins long-term absentees Robbin Ruiter, Marc Wilson, Darron Gibson and Duncan Watmore on the sidelines.
Opta stats
Bolton are winless in their last five home matches against the Black Cats (D2 L3) in all competitions, since winning 2-0 in the Premier League in May 2008.
Sunderland and Bolton have never shared two league draws within the same season, despite facing in 66 previous league seasons stretching back to 1890/91.
Mark Little was sent off for Bolton last weekend versus QPR - the Trotters last picked up a red card in consecutive league games back in the Premier League in December 2011.
Chris Coleman has lost each of his last four visits to the Macron Stadium, only picking up one win there during his managerial career - a 2-0 win for Fulham on the final day of the 2003/04 Premier League season.
Prutton's prediction
Sunderland had a cracking opportunity to kick on from that fantastic comeback against Bristol City last week on Saturday, but essentially surrendered against Brentford within half an hour.
It's hard to see where Chris Coleman's side are going to get a result from anywhere, and Bolton will see this game as a great opportunity to some more distance between themselves and the bottom three. Home win.
David Prutton predicts: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
