Kevin Ball continues as Sunderland boss and takes his men to the Reebok Stadium, where Bolton have not lost in 20 league and cup matches. Bolton will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing FA Cup defeat to West Ham in midweek.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Ball:
‘We know what faces us – a team wanting to react to that Cup defeat. They were very unlucky to lose. Bolton are a very high tempo team, very physical, and we will have to match that.
‘I have no doubt Sam (Allardyce) will have something up his sleeve and if he feels he needs to change things round, he will do it because he has a decent squad of players.
‘They are a side that play to their strengths as well as having some great individual players. It’s a difficult game but one that we will be up for.’
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce:
‘I know Kevin Ball from his days as captain at Sunderland. Peter Reid had a huge amount of respect for him as a captain then.
‘He always seemed the type of character who would move into management. When you get an opportunity it can be the one and only opportunity which comes your way and I’m sure he will grasp it with both hands.
‘It won’t be for lack of trying for Kevin but depends on the players responding to him.’ ‘
Bolton Team News:
After being taken into extra time in this week’s FA Cup loss to West Ham, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is set to make changes to refresh his team.
Joey O’Brien, Bruno N’Gotty and Hidetoshi Nakata could all be recalled to the first eleven, and midweek sub Henrik Pedersen, who scored a good goal last weekend, is pushing for a starting place as El-Hadji Diouf has still not sufficiently recovered from a double hernia.
Player to watch: Stelios Giannakopoulos
The Greek international midfielder has been in sparkling form this term for Bolton, and has weighed in with some crucial goals. He will be hoping to continue that form and cause the Sunderland defence problems.
Sunderland Team News:
Despite Gary Breen’s return from suspension, Kevin Ball has revealed that he will not return to the Sunderland side, instead having to be content with a place on the substitute bench as Caldwell and Collins retain their places.
Julio Arca faces a late fitness test as he is struggling to overcome a hamstring injury, so youngster Dan Smith has been recalled from a loan spell at Huddersfield and could well make his Premiership debut in Arca’s absence.
Defender Neill Collins is also in the squad after returning from Sheffield United, but is not expected to be named in the final 16.
Player to watch: Rory Delap
Since arriving at Sunderland he has been quietly improving and his influence in the Sunderland midfield increasing. With boss Kevin Ball praising him midweek, the experienced utility man may be given a more prominent role in the side which he will hope to thrive on.
Match Facts & Stats
HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Bolton 43 wins, Sunderland 50, Draws 28
Prem: Bolton 1 win, Sunderland 2, Draws 2
HEAD TO HEAD at Bolton
League: Bolton 33 wins, Sunderland 12, Draws 15
Prem: Bolton 0 wins, Sunderland 1, Draws 1
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent)
Match Prediction:
Bolton are just too strong at home to predict anything other than a home win. 2-0
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