Bolton will be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend when they host Manchester City.
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Bolton will be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend when they host Manchester City.
The Trotters have slipped into the relegation zone on the back of securing just two wins in their opening 10 Premier League fixtures this term.
The slump continued against Everton in midweek, with a last-gasp goal putting them to the sword, and confidence is ebbing away from a downtrodden squad.
Manager Gary Megson also finds himself under ever-increasing pressure and knows victory in the North West derby this weekend is crucial to his personal ambitions.
On a positive note, the Trotters have lost only one of their last seven top-flight contests with City.
However, they have scored only eight goals so far this term and a third consecutive goalless draw with the Blues could be on the cards.
City, meanwhile, continue to be frustratingly inconsistent, following up last weekend's impressive display against Stoke with a drab 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in midweek.
They are the division's top scorers, though, with 23 goals already and will be hoping their attacking unit fires once again on Sunday.
The omens are not good for Mark Hughes' men, however, as City have failed to find the target at the Reebok Stadium since securing a 1-0 win in December 2004.
No concerns
Bolton are expected to keep faith with those who tasted heartache against the Toffees in midweek.
Megson has no fresh injury or suspension concerns to contend with and believes his side need a bit of luck in order to kick-start their season.
The only decision facing the Trotters coach is whether to keep Johan Elmander in tandem with Kevin Davies up front or switch the Sweden international back to the right side of midfield.
Zabaleta returns
For City, Pablo Zabaleta will come back into contention after completing a suspension.
The Argentine defender has sat out the Blues' last three fixtures as a result of his dismissal against Liverpool.
He is expected to return at right-back, while Hughes is hopeful that Brazilian striker Jo will be available for selection.
The South American ace has been struggling with a bout of tonsillitis but may be needed by his boss as possible replacement Daniel Sturridge is a doubt with an ankle complaint.
Possible starting XIs
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, O'Brien, Samuel, Riga, Nolan, Muamba, Taylor, Elmander, Davies.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Ireland, Hamann, Robinho, Jo.
