After victories against relegation rivals Wolves and West Ham, Bolton will arrive at the Stadium of Light in buoyant mood as they chase a third successive win. Matt Taylor could earn a recall from boss Owen Coyle in place of suspended midfielder Tamir Cohen against the Black Cats who desperately need the three point points to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle. Sunderland have not won in 14 league games but they can at least welcome back Jordan Henderson, Andy Reid and John Mensah after injury.
Quick Check
Sunderland
- Jordan Henderson and Andy Reid are both set to return after making rapid recoveries from injury.
- Defender John Mensah is expected to recover from a back problem.
- Anton Ferdinand could start his first game for nearly three months after ankle trouble.
- Defender David Meyler remains unavailable as he completes a three-match ban.
- Sunderland have failed to win in their last 14 Premier League fixtures.
- Steve Bruce\’s side has won only one of their last 18 league matches.
- The Black Cats have kept just one clean sheet in their last 18 games.
Bolton Wanderers
- Bolton’s win at West Ham on Saturday was their first away victory in the league since September.
- Owen Coyle\’s side is now five points above the relegation zone.
- The Trotters are seeking their third successive Premier League win.
- Jack Wilshere became the youngest scorer in the Premier League this season when he scored at West Ham.
- Tamir Cohen is ruled out as he serves a one-match ban.
- American Stuart Holden will be out for six weeks with a broken leg.
- Gary Cahill is out until the end of the month with a blood clot on his arm.
- The Trotters have not beaten Sunderland in their last three meetings.
Expert Advice
Owen Coyle knew February and March was a critical part of Bolton\’s season and it\’s so far, so good for his side in their bid to lift themselves clear of relegation. While the Trotters have tightened up in defence over the last month, they have also succeeded in rediscovering their goalscoring touch at the other end of the pitch and confidence will be high as they prepare to face an out-of-sorts Sunderland team. It\’s hard to believe the Black Cats haven\’t tasted victory in the league since beating Arsenal in December and they now find themselves just three points outside the drop zone. The return of Henderson, Reid and Mensah will give everyone a lift at the Stadium of Light but whether or not it\’s enough to earn them all three points remains to be seen and Betsson\’s odds of 3.30 for a draw looks a value bet.
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